Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII Luftwaffe Type I gravity knife, or Fallschirmjäger-Messer, produced during the early wartime period and showing substantial service use. The knife retains its gravity operated blade, folding marlinspike, walnut grip plates, suspension loop, surviving Waffen inspection mark, and much of the original Pliesten blade finish. It also shows period style welded repairs to the rear spring and considerable wear consistent with extended use.

The Type I Luftwaffe gravity knife was produced from approximately 1937 through 1941 and differs from the later Type II pattern in lacking the takedown feature. The design uses a sliding blade housed within a metal frame. With the knife pointed downward and the operating lever raised, gravity allows the blade to extend. Releasing the lever secures the blade in the extended position.

The knife is also fitted with a folding marlinspike. This was intended primarily for working with rope and knots rather than as a locking combat spike. When fully opened, the spike is retained by a detent rather than a true locking mechanism.

This example shows extensive service wear and old repairs. The metal components retain a gray stainless steel appearance with scattered light pitting and oxidation staining. The original maker marking is no longer visible, apparently having been lost through wear and surface work over time.

The rear spring has been welded as part of an old repair. The original matching numbers that would normally appear on the latch and spring are no longer present or legible due to this work.

The base of the marlinspike retains a small Waffen inspection marking consisting of a "stick eagle" over:

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This is consistent with a Luftwaffe acceptance style marking.

The mechanism remains functional. The blade release operates correctly, allowing the blade to extend and retract smoothly. The marlinspike folds out and seats into its terminal detent as intended, though it does not lock. The suspension loop at the end of the handle remains present and moves freely.

The 4" blade remains full length and is in good service used condition. It shows overall wear, past sharpening, and some improper edge work, but still retains a notable amount of the original longitudinal factory crossgrain, known in German as Pliesten. The edge is worn and uneven in places but remains relatively sharp.

The walnut grip plates are retained by the standard four rivet arrangement, though one rivet is missing from the right side. As a result, both grip plates are somewhat loose. The wood shows overall service wear and localized chipping along the upper edge of the left plate, but no major cracks or large sections are missing.

With its early Type I configuration, surviving Waffen inspection mark, functional gravity mechanism, detent retained marlinspike, full length blade with surviving Pliesten, walnut grip plates, and visible period repairs, this is a strong service used example of a Luftwaffe gravity knife. The welded spring repair, missing maker mark, absent matching numbers, light pitting, blade sharpening, missing grip rivet, loose grip plates, and edge chipping are all fully disclosed. It would fit especially well in a Luftwaffe equipment, Fallschirmjäger, gravity knife, German airborne, or advanced WWII edged weapon collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 4"
Blade Style: Single Edge Knife
Overall length: 10 1/8”
Crossguard: 1 7/16”