Original British WWII Broad-Arrow Stamped Theater-Made Knuckle Knife Made from P1907MkII* Bayonet with Leather Sheath - Marked 3862

Original Item. Only One Available. Theater knives are knives made by military personnel in the various theaters of war. Each knife is unique in its own way due to the maker's style, preferences and materials available. Most theater knives were made from spare parts, wreckage, tools and already existing blades.

These knives were made by the armorers and engineers on request. The larger ships needed to have skilled fabricators on board to make repairs and modifications to weapons and gear. Usually the blades were made from existing weapons or from steel components, and the hilts were cast from metals such as aluminum or zinc.

This is a fantastic genuine example of a British single-piece brass knuckle knife, which appears to have been made from an existing blade that was soldered or “sweated” into the hilt. Interestingly, the spine of the knife appears flush overall, and gives the illusion of the knife being of a single piece of metal, but it is obvious by looking at where the blade and hilt meet that it was inserted.

The blade of the knife is rather dull minus the tip & false edge, and the blade itself appears very similar to a P1907MkII* bayonet blade, so we believe this to be what the blade came from. The P1907MkII* was issued in the eastern theater with Indian forces. The blade measures 7¾” with an overall length of 12⅜”. Interestingly, the last finger hole protrudes further than the pommel. The grip of the blade is stamped with a Broad Arrow next to 3862, but we are unsure of what significance the number bears. 

The leather sheath appears custom made, with only stitching holding the two pieces together. There is no belt loop, only a small hole likely meant for affixing the sheath to a belt. The sheath has some staining and wear, but is still solid.

A very interesting and unique WWII British knuckle knife, ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7¾”
Blade Style: Double Edged Dagger
Overall length: 12⅜“
Scabbard Length: 8 3/8" + belt attachment