{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-type-i-gravity-knife-by-smf-solingen-with-waffenamt-proof-factory-crossgrain-and-repaired-walnut-grip-plates-1","title":"Original German WWII Luftwaffe Type I Gravity Knife by SMF Solingen with Waffenamt Proof, Factory Crossgrain and Repaired Walnut Grip Plates","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII early Type I Luftwaffe gravity knife, or \u003cem\u003eFallschirmjäger-Messer\u003c\/em\u003e, manufactured by \u003cstrong\u003eSolinger Metallwaren-Fabrik Stöcker \u0026amp; Co. GmbH\u003c\/strong\u003e, better known as SMF. It retains the \u003cstrong\u003eseated king SMF\u003c\/strong\u003e trademark, \u003cstrong\u003eROSTFREI\u003c\/strong\u003e blade marking, Luftwaffe inspection proof, matching assembly number \u003cstrong\u003e51\u003c\/strong\u003e on the blade release components, intact rear springs, visible factory crossgrain, and an unusual period style repair or modification to both walnut grip plates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Luftwaffe gravity knife was designed around a sliding blade contained within a metal grip frame. On this Type I example, the blade is released by raising the operating lever and allowing gravity to extend it from the handle. When the lever is released, the blade is secured in the extended position. The knife also incorporates a folding marlinspike intended primarily for working knots and parachute rigging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe marlinspike does not lock in the manner of the blade. When fully extended it is retained by a clear detent and remains relatively firm, but it was not designed as a locking combat implement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eType I Luftwaffe gravity knives are characterized by their wood grip scales and non-takedown construction. The supplied identification places this early configuration in approximately 1937-1941 production, before the introduction of the takedown Type II pattern.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stainless steel blade measures approximately 4\" and is marked with the \u003cstrong\u003eSMF \"seated king\"\u003c\/strong\u003e trademark over:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSOLINGEN\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ealong with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eROSTFREI\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eindicating stainless steel construction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade remains in excellent condition and, importantly for collectors, still retains visible factory final polish crossgrain across much of the surface. This finish is known in German as \u003cem\u003ePliesten\u003c\/em\u003e, created by polishing the blades with large leather covered wheels using a slurry of extremely fine grit. This finish is nearly impossible to replicate using modern means, and is a hallmark of Genuine WWII era German blades. It is especially important to advanced collectors because it helps preserve evidence of the original factory surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is evidence of sharpening along the cutting edge and point, which has removed the original crossgrain in those areas. The edge is now extremely sharp and should be handled carefully. The surviving factory finish elsewhere remains an important feature despite this later sharpening.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe base of the marlinspike bears a Luftwaffe stick eagle \u003cem\u003eWaffenamt\u003c\/em\u003e inspection mark containing the number:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade release components are both marked with assembly number:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e51\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003esupporting their original association within the mechanism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen operated by hand, the blade release allows the blade to extend and secures it when pressure is removed from the lever. Both rear springs are intact and show no visible cracking. The marlinspike also opens correctly and engages its detent when fully extended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip plates are walnut and retain the standard four rivet attachment. Both scales have a large rectangular section replaced or inserted through the central portion. The exact reason for this alteration is unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe construction beneath the grips includes solid metal side plates, so the replacement wood sections do not appear to correspond with an obvious structural repair to the knife mechanism itself. They may represent an old repair, modification, or attempt at personalization, but without documentation the purpose cannot be stated with certainty. There is also a crack on one side below the end loop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is very good for a service used Type I gravity knife. The blade retains substantial factory crossgrain and clear SMF markings, the mechanism operates through its normal range, the marlinspike detent remains effective, both rear springs are intact, and the walnut grips remain firmly mounted despite their unusual central repairs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its early Type I non-takedown construction, SMF seated king trademark, ROSTFREI stainless blade, Luftwaffe stick eagle proof, matching number 51 blade release parts, intact rear springs, surviving factory crossgrain, and distinctive repaired walnut grip plates, this is a particularly interesting Luftwaffe gravity knife. The sharpened edge and point, localized loss of crossgrain, and uncertain purpose of the grip modifications are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Luftwaffe edged weapon, Fallschirmjäger equipment, SMF maker, Type I gravity knife, or advanced German WWII knife collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 4\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edge Knife\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 10 1\/8”\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 1 7\/16”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45579335860293,"sku":"ONSV26CBZ025","price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/7374091D-B505-4C8A-A317-12A299CED9C8.jpg?v=1787163559","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-luftwaffe-type-i-gravity-knife-by-smf-solingen-with-waffenamt-proof-factory-crossgrain-and-repaired-walnut-grip-plates-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}