RARE, ORIGINAL, STERILE** WW2 British Commando/ SOE / Special Forces Smatchet & Scabbard. Sn 21422 Other Blades

**RARE, ORIGINAL, STERILE** WW2 British Commando/ SOE / Special Forces Smatchet & Scabbard. Sn 21422 - 21422

In many respects the WW2 British Special Forces Smatchet is one of the most mysterious British issue knives of the period. Its development appears to have been around the same time as the F-S Commando dagger i.e. 1940-41. The Smatchet is listed as equipment issued to Commandos for D-day and are attributed as being used by the Special Operation Executive (SOE). While some examples bear War Dept Broad arrows no examples have been found bearing manufacturer's names (see pages 234 to 237 of The Fairbairn Sykes Fighting Knife & Other Commando Knives By Flook). Illustrated in image 1 is a copy of a period photograph of members of SOE Force 136 with Smatchets (see page 235 plate 14.14 of Flook’s book). This rare, original example of the Smatchet is clean and undamaged. It has the correct large leaf shaped blade 10 ¾” in length and has just light staining consistent with age and original ebonised wood grip. It has a large oval brass cross guard and correct alloy pommel holed for wrist cord. As is common with special forces weapons this smatchet is sterile having no manufacturer or WD marks. Its original open top scabbard is leather over wood former. The leather and stitching are clen and intact. The throat is fitted with a leather retaining strap with press stud fastener and the rear has a riveted belt loop which is intact but has a small stable cut in its mid-section. The price for this rare piece of WW2 Special Forces Equipment includes UK delivery. Sn 21422

£1,250.00