Genuine Third Reich 1st Pattern Luftwaffe Gravity Knife

Description

NOT A REPRODUCTION Maker: Solingen Metallwaren-Fabrik Stocker & Co. Marked “Rostfrei” (Rust free) Luftamt 5 Luftwaffe acceptance stamp on spike. Spear point Blade function opens and locks open. The activator trigger functions normally, and the trigger release pressure is normal. The marlin spike functions normally. Marlin spike retains its original tip. Spring is not broken. D-ring bail lanyard loop is solid. Hammer faces are both nicked. Walnut grips. 10 1/2” overall length. 4” OTF blade (not spring assisted). The “Flieger-Kappmesser” (flyer’s cutting knife) was introduced by the German Luftwaffe in 1937, and the 1st Pattern was issued until 1943 when a “takedown” form of the knife appeared. It was carried by all who wore a parachute (“Luftwaffe Fallschirmjaeger-Messer” paratroopers’s knife) so they could free themselves from entangled parachute shroud lines or rigging.