All About Pocket Knives

I saw this one on a table at 'Gator' and the tang stamp really threw me. A very early SAK with fiber handles that equates to the 1930' -40's. Mint un honed blades and , alas, a broken master blade backspring. Rough handles more than likely because the maker used iron pins that rusted and expanded. 'Dobler Swiss Made' on the master blade tang was an enigma as was the shield on the handle; a cross set between a pair of wings. So here's what I found out..The handle logo is that of the Brazilian Air Force, 'FAB' which was first created in 1941, sinking a German Sub of the coast of Brazil in 1943! Dobler was a Swiss firm that supplied the 'FAB' with clothing and various sundries which included this knife. And the maker was 'Wenger'; the other Swiss Army Knife maker.

Awesome score! Pre-M1961 model Soldiers period are hard to find in the States, pet alone at non premium prices. I have a 1942 Elsener, and the blade is 50 percent worn and an inch short.

I hadn't seen a Brazilian issued knife before, and didn't know the Swiss supplied them.