Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a World War II fighting knife made by Knife Crafters of Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. Knives of this pattern were produced from old sword blades, with three knives typically being manufactured from a single sword blade. The handles were made of hollow steel and covered in leather. Most of the scabbards are of same basic pattern, with a unique, three-piece construction. A single leather grip-retaining strap with a metal snap was also riveted to the front of the scabbard above the throat.
This Knife Crafters WWII fighting knife is in very good condition. The blade of the knife is bright, retaining all of its original polish, and shows only some light age staining and minor scattered peppering. Close examination shows the original etched retailer marking, over a German maker logo:
W. H.
Horstma[nn]
& Son[s]
PHILADEL[PHIA]
Below this it is marked with the manufacturer's logo of a Königskopf (King's Head) on the blade ricasso, the logo of Gebrüder Weyersberg, Waffenfabrik, founded in 1787 by the brothers Johan William and Peter to manufacture sword and knife blades. By 1850 they were located on Kölnerstrasse in the Ohligs area of the City of Solingen. From 1859 onward they operated a factory on Hochstrasse in the same area. Called "The City of Blades", Solingen is a world-renowned edged weapon area, with a history dating back to the middle ages. The Weyersberg family itself had a history of swordmaking going back at least 6 generations. The company had numerous contacts and customers in Europe, and supplied weapons to Napoleon's army, as well as to the Prussian and Russian armies during the 19th century. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.
The leather-covered hollow handle is in excellent condition, and the leather retains nearly all of its original finish with only minor light wear and handling marks. The scabbard is in about fine condition, showing only some minor surface crazing and light use.
Overall, this is a very attractive World War II era fighting knife that is highly desirable. No collection of World War II militaria is complete without at least a small selection of fighting knives. These knives were valued at $700 to $800 each 10 years ago, and rougher ones that fetch prices in that range today and often higher, especially at auction. This fine Knife Crafters fighting knife is offered at the near decade-old price, which is a good value and worth every penny.
Comes more than ready for further research and display.
Approx. Dimensions:
Blade length: 7”
Blade Style: Clip Point
Overall length: 12 1/4”
Crossguard: 2 1/2”
Scabbard length: 9 1/2" + Belt Loop
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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