Can someone date this please ww2 ?? British Army ?

[Steve1312]

I guessing this is 1940's I thought most of these were stamped but as the photos show not this one also the handle is flat and not rounded cheers steve

[cottage hill bill]

I think you're right 1939-1946 as that pattern came in just before the war and was replaced by the all stainless version soon after. Look closer at the opposites side of the ricasso from what you've shown and also on the tin opener blade. Dates are often stamped there. The oddly curved marlin spike and square end blade are unusual for this pattern, the norm being a straight spike and sheepsfoot blade. I'll have a look through Flook and my own collection this evening and see if I can find a match. The flat, coarsely checkered scales may also indicate Indian manufacture. What is the scale material, horn, pressed fiber, wood?

[Steve1312]

I would say pressed fibre

[cottage hill bill]

Ok, looked through my collection and Ron Flook's book. No exact match. Mine that is similar has the normal sheepsfoot blade. The one shown in Flook is Indian and my experience the flat scales and coarse, hand-done checkering are only seen on Indian knives. Most Indian knives are well marked on the tin opener blade. Take some 0000 steel wool and light oil to the base of the tin opener and see what you find.