{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-service-used-luftwaffe-take-down-fallschirmjager-gravity-knife-with-solingen-rb-number","title":"Original German WWII Service Used Luftwaffe Take Down Fallschirmjäger Gravity Knife with Solingen RB Number","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used example of a late-war produced Type II \"Take down\" version of the legendary \u003cem\u003eLuftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer\u003c\/em\u003e, or German air force paratrooper knife (FJM or FKm), with a Solingen RB Nr on the blade. These knives utilize a four-inch (100 mm) telescoping (OTF), gravity-propelled locking blade. First produced in 1937, the FJM was issued to German flight crews and paratroops, primarily for the purpose of cutting a trapped parachutist from his rigging in case he landed with a tangled parachute, or became entangled in trees with the shroud lines. Though not intended for use as a fighting knife, the FJM's blade could be and was used as a close combat weapon when necessary.\u003cem\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cem\u003eLuftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer\u003c\/em\u003e uses a sliding blade inside a metal gripframe, which was originally fitted with smooth wood scales, usually of beech or walnut. The blade itself is a relatively blunt spear-point, and the profile is flat ground, tapering to a utility edge. To open the blade, the user points the FJM downwards while flipping up the fulcrum-style operating lever, allowing gravity to draw out the blade to its fullest extent. Releasing the lever locks the blade into position. The FJM may also be opened by flipping the blade release lever while flicking the wrist holding the knife, causing the blade to extend. The FJM was also equipped with a folding marlinspike or awl. Primarily intended for untangling rope knots, it can also be used as a prying tool. The FJM's spike does not lock when opened and was never intended to be used as a combat weapon, though individual German paratroopers may have employed it as such.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are three principal types of wartime-era Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messers. The Type I FKm has wood scales (handle), was made from 1937-1941, and unlike successive models, has no 'takedown' capability. The Type II FKm is the same knife, but with takedown features, and was produced from 1941 to the end of World War II.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example of the Type II FKm (FJM) is in very service used condition, showing signs of water exposure and oxidation, particularly on the end of the blade and the cross guard area. Usually the fittings of the knife would be blued, but cleaning has worn away the original finish. leaving a peppery finish in places. The blade does show some factory final grind crossgrain near the reciasso, however the tip has some rust pitting, which has caused the very tip to flake off. The blade has been cleaned and had the rust removed to put it in its best light. Overall the knife has a great \"service worn\" look that is impossible to duplicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe the blade of the knife has an RB Number marking on it, indicating the manufacturer of the knife:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eR B Nr.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e0\/0561\/0020\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGerman RB Numbers, or \u003cem\u003eReichsbetriebsnummer\u003c\/em\u003e, also known as the National Business Number, were an alternative to the 3 letter codes in use late in the war. The first number 0 is the prefix for \"industry\", while 0561 is the location code for Solingen, the largest and best blade producing city in Germany. From what we can tell from records, contractor 0020 is thought to be SMF or possibly Paul Weyersberg both well known names in Solingen who were known producers of these earlier in the war. There is unfortunately not much information out there on the RB number system, however we have seen multiple knives from this same maker over the years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe number \u003cstrong\u003e507\u003c\/strong\u003e is stamped on the bottom of the cross guard, the blade base, and on the end of the blade channel by the \"arrow\". The catch and spring are both marked with matching number \u003cstrong\u003e7\u003c\/strong\u003e. These are assembly numbers so that the various components can be matched during production and after cleaning. There is also arrow on cross guard and interior to indicate the correct orientation when reassembling the knife. There is a number \u003cstrong\u003e5\u003c\/strong\u003e inside of a \u003cstrong\u003eWaffen Eagle\u003c\/strong\u003e on the base of the marlin spike. This is the standard Luftwaffe inspection stamp style used throughout the war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \"take-down\" ability allows the cross guard to be removed, and the body\/sheath opens with the end ring as a hinge. The blade can then be removed for servicing, and the interior can be cleaned to ensure the blade moves freely. On this example, the take-down ability functions well, though due to corrosion the crossguard can be difficult to remove. The release and marlinspike springs are intact with no cracks. This is a fully functional example, which requires just a bit of \"help\" to get the blade to extend and retract correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip plates are of walnut with the standard four retaining rivets on each side. Like other components of the knife, they show signs of past water exposure and oxidation near the rivets. They are worn down a bit, but there are no cracks or other major damage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe take-down version of the gravity knives are becoming extremely difficult to locate. This is one of the few examples that we have had in decades of business, with a very nice service worn look. Ready to display!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Length: 4\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Knife\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOverall length: 10 5\/8“\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrossguard: 1 1\/2\"\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":40228942053445,"sku":"ONJR22RAJ060","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONJR22RAJ060__06.jpg?v=1659497340","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-service-used-luftwaffe-take-down-fallschirmjager-gravity-knife-with-solingen-rb-number","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}