RARE, WW2 BRITISH SOE FOLDING JACK KNIFE
A scarce WW2 British Commando & S.O.E. (Special Operations Executive) pattern folding knife. These knives were manufactured in England primarily for use by Commando’s & the S.O.E. (see pages 150/151 & Plate 355 in 'British and Commonwealth Military Knives' by Ron Flook and Secret Agents Handbook of Special Devices by Mark Seaman page 63 as pictured). Some of the knives produced don't have a manufacturers name or origin but this one has 'JOHN NOWILL & SON'S SHEFFIELD stamped on the blade. The undamaged scales are chequered Bakelite or Bexoid. The knife is fitted with correct steel lanyard ring. The single edged blade measures 3 ½” long and it is 8” overall with the blade locked out. The cutting edge of the blade has no damage or nicks and has just the staining to be expected with age. The blade folds out and locks in place correctly. The blade is released by operation of a metal sprung thumb release which works perfectly.