Hi gents,
I've just been offered this knife, and as it's a bit out of my area I am needing a little experienced assistance. I nearly fell over when he pulled it out of a cheap little blue plastic bag. I've done some reading and I'm fairly certain it's an original example, 1st pattern FS knife. It has been sharpened in the past but not recently and not badly either. The maker's marks have been ground off and at the same time the grinding wheel caught the cross-guard leaving a little groove. I would imagine it was fairly common for them to be sharpened during the war? The steel quality is superior, it has an incredibly fine point and it has kept the extremely sharp edge all along the blade.
The guy who brought it to me is the son of the original owner, who was a commando during the war. He told his son some stories and apparently several Germans ended their war on the point of this blade. I will try and get more info on the man when I see the current owner again. Apparently he also had some kind of knuckle duster dagger too, but his mother threw it out years ago, along with some German stuff. Ouch.
I want to make a fair offer, but really don't know where to begin considering the fact it has been sharpened and the straps cut off the sheath. I know prices can be sensitive but what would be the market value for this particular knife? he has done some internet research on prices but also said it's important it goes to a good home that would appreciate the thing for what it is, as his children are not really interested in the history of it. I would like to be that good home I get the feeling he is not wanting a fortune but it won't be 'cheap' either.
Thanks for looking, hope you like it and I appreciate any assistance.
Bookmarks