A descendant of the Fairbairn-Sykes combat knife, the V-42 Stiletto was designed with input from members of the First Special Service Force, the joint American/Canadian arctic and mountain warfare unit that is considered one of the forefathers of modern American Special Forces. The majority went to the 1st SSF, but around 70 were diverted to the Navy and among the armament issued to the light cruiser U.S.S. Omaha. The stiletto measures 12 5/8 inches overall with a 7 3/8 inch double edged, hollow ground blade showing the signature serrated "thumbprint" on the ricasso above "CASE", and the opposite ricasso is period stamped "U.S./201". The alloy guard is fitted with a thick leather finger pad on the underside with a ribbed leather washer grip and distinctive "skull crusher" pommel. The brown leather sheath is in the original SSF-style "long drop" configuration with staple and rivet reinforcement. Provenance: The Putnam Green/Sycamore Collection

Fine, the blade retaining 75% of the original blue finish with the tip having thinned to a bright grey patina toward the tip and edges. The grip shows some mild wear and handling marks. The sheath is very good with some mild wear.