Cold War, Polish army ‘Paratrooper” Knife (Cord-Cutter Knife) with Original Scabbard and Lanyard

*Cold War, Polish army ‘Paratrooper” Knife (Cord-Cutter Knife) with Original Scabbard and Lanyard*

Marked on the ricasso “F/283”
Blade measures 13.2cm, 24cm overall (25.4 including lanyard ring)

Polish Army paratrooper’s knife with a double edge blade, with hard wood grip and steel ferrules and original lanyard. Blade marked on the ricasso, F/283. Comes complete with original unmarked brown leather sheath with one bale and lanyard.

These knives have a historical origin dating back to the early stages of airborne operations. The concept behind them was to provide paratroopers with swift access to a knife for freeing themselves if entangled in their parachute upon landing. The blades feature razor-sharp scalloped sides, but the tip is intentionally blunted to prevent accidental stabbing while maneuvering it under the harness.

Poland was making these knives both for domestic use but also for use by the NVA, they used the same design, but, without any maker markings until the DDR (German Democratic Republic (DDR; Deutsche Demokratische Republik 1949-1990) started making their own.

*Condition*
The blade in is good condition. The hilt has some scratches and service related marks, the metal caps used at the butt and bolster have lost most of their black paint. The scabbard is missing 3 of its 4 bales, is otherwise in good condition with stitching intact with the expected signs of wear and tear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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