Lot 550: World War II OSS Combat Stiletto

Made in the style of the Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife developed by the British and adopted by America. There are reports of similar knives in use with intelligence agencies well into the 1960s. The double edged blade measures 6 5/8" long with a dark "royal blue" finish and 1/8 inch thick oval steel handguard. No maker's markings are present. Early style grip, darkened brass with sharp knurling and a brass nut pommel. Sheath is constructed from steel and leather with the leather porting similar to the more conventional F-S sheaths but made without a belt hanger and fitted to a green painted steel frame which encloses the tip, supports the entire back, and expands to a 3 inch wide head with 4 slits for running a belt and a rubber O-ring for retaining the blade. The sheath was nicknamed the Pancake Flipper for its resemblance to a spatula.

Excellent with 97% original blue and a few small areas of wear on the blade, aged brass visible on the high points and bright corrosion wear on the metal part of the sheath which has transferred to the otherwise very fine grip.