All About Pocket Knives

My Dad found this at a yard sale and thought I'd like it. Being no expert of WW2 memorabilia, he simply accepted that this was a Luftwaffe paratrooper's gravity knife. I've done a little research and it appears to be an authentic Type 1a knife made by SMF sometime between 1938 and 1941 (before the Type 2 "take down" models went into production).

I'll upload some pics and would welcome your comments and opinions.

Very cool knife, Tom. Stocker & Co (SMF), Solingen

I do have a question/concern about the point of the marlinspike. Is it supposed to have that little bend at the tip, or did that happen on accident somewhere along its 70+ year journey to my hands?

I've never owned a marlin spike so I can't answer that question. A good idea would be to search ebay and compare other marlin spikes, or, search AAPK.

TomKey wrote:Is it supposed to have that little bend at the tip, or did that happen on accident somewhere along its 70+ year journey to my hands?

Supposed to be straight, someone tried to pry open something along the way.

Check this thread for one I have.

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... 86&t=22450

Also post a picture of yours as well!

Miller Bro`s wrote:

TomKey wrote:Is it supposed to have that little bend at the tip, or did that happen on accident somewhere along its 70+ year journey to my hands?

Supposed to be straight, someone tried to pry open something along the way.

Yeah, that's what I was afraid of. My guess, leave it be rather than trying to straighten/regrind the tip?

Miller Bro`s wrote:Check this thread for one I have.

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kni ... 86&t=22450

Also post a picture of yours as well!

I saw, and I have.

TomKey wrote: My guess, leave it be rather than trying to straighten/regrind the tip?

I would leave it as is rather than run the risk of breaking off the tip trying to straighten it. If you grind it off then you will make it short and decrease the value somewhat.

I have set up at our Annual Military Show for years......and the Dealers that have the Luftwaffe Gravity Knives for sale......well...lets just say....They are "proud of em".....usually $500---$700.....and None I have ever seen in that mint condition.......I would ask what your dad paid for it....but I had heart surgery couple years ago.....and I just don't think could take the shock......//////..on another side note....my youngest son is a Police Officer...couple years ago he passed by a yard sale....old lady sitting in chair in driveway.......for some reason he said....he went up and asked if she had any military items...and she said...."well ....my husband was in WW2...and he had an old cigar box full of German Medals....a nice man gave me $5.00 for them an hour ago"......