Original U.S. WWII Australian-Made Large Cog Guard Knuckle Bowie Style Fighting Knife With Leather Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely, possibly converted V44 Bowie knife knife that measures 14 inches long overall, with a 9 inch clip point blade. The blade is 2 inches wide at the widest point. It is offered in very good condition without leather sheath with cast brass knuckle knife hilt, and teeth or cogs cast into the guard. 

While long ago identified as the "1st Battalion Ranger" knife in Harold Peterson's book American Knives, these brass-knuckled fighting knives have been subsequently identified as being the product of Australia, and saw service in the Pacific Theater during WWII. These knives were produced in a "small" and a "large" variant, with nominally 6.25 in. and 9.25 inch blades respectively. These impressive looking fighting knives are an essential part of any collection of WWII theater and fighting knives. This is the large version.

The condition is very good overall with heavy verdigris residue on the handle and ricasso. The very tip of the knife is a bit bent, but otherwise there is just heavy sharpening and cleaning marks. The cast brass hilt has an uncleaned, deep bronze patina. Obvious period correct hand-finishing file marks are present inside the cogs and the grip of the knife.

The original leather sheath is in good service-worn condition with the leather showing heavy crazing and minor cracking. The securing strap and knob are present but show extreme wear and cracking. The stitching is in good order to the reverse.

While these knives have been reproduced for the collector market over the last few decades, this one is 100% correct and authentic and shows some real use. A very nice example of a scarce, and fierce-looking, Pacific Theater knuckle knife from World War II. If you've been wanting one, this is the one to add to your collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9"
Overall length: 14”
Scabbard Length: 10 1/2" + Belt Loop