VERY RARE**Original**WW2 Era Indian Made Chindit & Air Crew V44 USA Type Survival / Fighting Bowie Knife & Scabbard. Sn 23630 Knive

*VERY RARE**Original**WW2 Era Indian Made Chindit & Air Crew V44 USA Type Survival / Fighting Bowie Knife & Scabbard. Sn 23630 - 23630

These large Indian made Chindit knives were obviously copied from the American V-44s these generally crudely manufactured knives are attributed as Chindit issue, though it is likely they could have been used by aircrew as the V-44 was originally designed by the Americans as an aircrew survival knife. These knives are rare and are virtually never found in anything like good condition. All the examples illustrated have wood grips, but examples are known with grips made from horn (see page 207 and plates 498, 499 & 500 of British & Commonwealth Military Knives By Flook where Chindit V44s similar to ours are illustrated). This is a very good original example of the Chindit V44. It is a large knife measuring 14” in length and with a 3 groove tropical hardwood handle secured by a single brass rivet. It has a large oval brass cross guard. Its just over 9” long, broad steel bowie blade with falchion style tip and twin narrow fullers has areas of staining consistent with age and is sharp. The cutting edge has a few nibbles consistent with service use. As is common the knife has no maker or date marks. It is accompanied by its original leather open top scabbard with large belt loop which has a retaining strap with brass lug fastener. All leather, stitching and brass rivets of the scabbard are intact. There are no manufacturer marks on the scabbard. The price for this WW2 era Chindit Combat / Survival knife includes UK delivery. Sn 23630 (In FS Box)

£795.00