Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original German WWII transitional Type II Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer take down gravity knife manufactured by Paul Weyersberg & Co. of Solingen. It is a particularly desirable maker marked transitional example, produced before the later RBNr. marking system became standard. The knife retains the Paul Weyersberg “Sword-and-Wreath” blade trademark, Waffen inspection proof on the marlinspike, matching assembly numbers on the major components, walnut grip plates, functional take down construction, and a service used carbon steel blade with honest oxidation and wear.

The Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer, commonly referred to by collectors as the FJM or FKm, was developed for German flight crews and paratroopers. Its sliding gravity operated blade could be extended one handed, while the folding marlinspike was intended primarily for working knots and rigging. The marlinspike does not lock in the open position; instead, it has a clear detent at full extension and was not designed as a locking combat spike.

This example is the Type II take down version introduced after the earlier fixed construction Type I. The Type II was designed so that the crossguard could be removed and the body opened using the end ring as a hinge, allowing the blade and internal components to be accessed for cleaning and servicing.

The blade is etched with the PAUL WEYERSBERG & Co. / SOLINGEN “Sword-and-Wreath” trademark used on the firm’s gravity knives. Paul Weyersberg was one of the major Solingen producers of these knives during WWII. Maker marked Type II examples are considerably less common than the earlier Type I knives bearing the same trademark, as later production transitioned to RBNr. identification. The maker and trademark are discussed in German Knife and Sword Makers by J. Anthony Carter.

The knife is constructed with a carbon steel blade and dark finished steel components. The blade shows oxidation staining and light rust peppering, while the dark finish on the crossguard has worn from handling and use. A small chip is missing from the very tip. The original blade profile remains well retained, and there is no obvious evidence of post-production sharpening.

The maker mark remains crisp and clearly visible. The oxidation has been intentionally left in place rather than aggressively cleaned, both to preserve the original surface and to avoid damaging the etched trademark.

The base of the marlinspike is marked with:

Waffen Eagle
5

The eagle is a Luftwaffe style inspection proof.

The following assembly number is stamped on the bottom of the crossguard, blade base, and the end of the blade channel beneath the crossguard:

969

The first digit is somewhat difficult to read and could potentially be interpreted as 696, but 969 appears most likely.

The catch and spring are both marked:

82

These are assembly numbers used to keep fitted components together during manufacture. The catch and spring numbers differ from the principal assembly number, as is commonly encountered on this pattern. Alignment arrows are also present on the crossguard and interior to indicate correct orientation during reassembly.

The take down mechanism functions correctly. The crossguard can be removed, and the body opens on the end ring hinge as intended. The release spring and marlinspike spring remain intact with no visible cracks.

The blade releases and returns into the handle correctly in its present condition. The folding marlinspike also moves as intended and seats into the grip. As noted above, the marlinspike does not mechanically lock when extended, but does have the expected detent at full extension.

Two empty rivet holes are visible on the lower portion of the inner housing. These have been observed on transitional maker marked examples and are not present on many later RBNr. marked knives.

The walnut grip plates are retained by the standard four rivets on each side. The wood remains in very good condition with an attractive aged color. There are scattered pressure dents and several gouges from service use, but no major cracks or structural damage are visible.

With its scarce Paul Weyersberg maker marked transitional configuration, Type II take down construction, Waffen inspection proof, matching major assembly numbers, intact internal springs, walnut grip plates, and clearly preserved Sword-and-Wreath trademark, this is a particularly interesting example of the Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger gravity knife. The blade oxidation, light rust peppering, small tip chip, crossguard finish wear, minor uncertainty in reading the 969 assembly number, and normal service wear to the walnut grips are all fully disclosed. It would display especially well in a Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger, German WWII gravity knife, Paul Weyersberg maker, transitional Type II, or advanced military edged weapon collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 10 5/8“
Crossguard: 1 1/2"