Original Australian WWII Theater Made Brass Knuckle Fighting Knife Original Items

Original Item: One-Of-A-Kind. This is a lovely, possibly converted small Bowie knife that measures 13 inches long overall, with a 8 inch double edge spear point blade. Blade is 1 1/2 inches wide at the widest point. It is offered in very good condition with machined brass knuckle hilt with pointed finger guards.

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 some even 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 smaller version, which is somewhat harder to find than the larger variant, but both are difficult to find on the market today.

Condition: Very good overall. Blade has a medium pewter patina with oxidation and surface discoloration. The tip is very slightly worn. The brass hilt has an uncleaned, deep bronze patina. Obvious period correct hand-finishing file marks are present inside the holes and the grip of the knife. Appears to have been painted tan at one point, but most of the paint has worn away. The leather scabbard appears to be hand cut and machine stitched together. The leather itself is thick and very sturdy but does have cracking to the heavy finish that was applied. There are nicks and marks all over the scabbard and there are signs of heavy use.

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!