French, WW2, Emergency Issue, Allied D-Day Lebel Cruciform Combat Knife, Scabbard and Frog, Dated 1944

*French, WW2, Emergency Issue, Allied D-Day Lebel Cruciform Combat Knife, Scabbard and Frog, Dated 1944*

Approximate measurements: 16.7cm/6.5″ blade, 8.3cm overall
Marked on forte: C+A 1944
Frog marked: 1967

Much speculation exists as to whether these were issued or not given the German control of armouries. It is a fascinating discussion piece and great collectors item. Potentially this is a very rare emergency issue cruciform bladed fighting knife used by Free French and other Allied troops in the run up to the Normandy landings 1944.

Using a 6 1/2″ blade section from a French 1886 Lebel bayonet mounted on an all steel knurled no-slip hilt. Issued in slightly modified British #4 spike bayonet scabbards this model are now very rare.

Ron Flooks book “British & Commonwealth Military Knives’ Plate 269 shows a version made from nickel plated brass with a lathe turned grip, he states (as do other sources) that the blade was that of the No4 Mk1 cruciform type mated to a knurled handle and using a modified No4 scabbard.

A fascinating piece of WW2 Invasion equipment, new made D-Day Lebel Fighting knife w/scabbard.

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