WWII OSS Thumb Dagger with Sheath
Item #: AA3734
Click on an image to enlarge
This is a an OSS, Office of Strategic Service, thumb dagger from the World War II period. While it measures a mere 2 7/8" in length and 5/8" at the widest point, this little dagger was deadly in the hands of a trained OSS operative. The double edged, spear point blade was used to strike vital areas during hand to hand combat to kill or incapacitate the enemy engaged. Many of these daggers were made from broken bayonets, others were manufactured by companies overseas. The dagger could be held by the small serrated handle, or could be used in conjunction with the finger loop threaded through the hole in the handle. These small weapons were sometimes referred to as "lapel" knives, as they could easily be sewn on the underside of a jacket lapel and be very accessible. This dagger shows signs of wear from handling. At some point it had s coating on both flat spots near the handle, but one side is almost completely worn off. The original black coating is still almost 100% intact. It would appear that the finger loop is a replacement piece of leather or rawhide string. The leather sheath that came with the dagger is original to it. It shows evidence of having been sewn into a piece of clothing. It remains supple and the stitching is still tight and un broken. If you collect the clandestine from WWII this little piece will fit right in.
(Sold)