Original Item: Only One Available. As seen in the fantastic book Knuckle Knives of the Second World War by Greg Aloisio on page 99, this knife is a custom made cast fighting knife with leather sheath. The author used this knife as a specimen for his wonderful book and even signed page 99 where this knife is featured. The signed copy of the book accompanies the purchase of this knife!
The design and appearance of this knife would appear to have used the famed M1917/18 trench knives as a model when making this one. Similar design and shape, but slightly larger. The blade is a beautiful diamond shape and was constructed of high quality steel. The handle is a single piece of casted aluminum with a spiked “skull crusher” pommel. The scabbard is unmarked but still falls in line with the Stelzig pattern category. Truly a lovely example!
Excerpt from the Book:
“The "Stelzig" knife is a fierce, sturdy knuckle knife with handles cast from aluminum and/or steel. They were equipped with different types of blades varying from diamond shape to double edged. There is no maker's mark on the knife itself, however, most will be found with a finely made leather sheath that is stamped "STELZIG SADDLERY CO, HOUSTON, TEXAS".
Stelzig Saddlery produced saddles, boots, jewelry and many lines of western wear from 1870 through 1989. Anton Stelzig's Houston saddle shop, located close to the U.S. Calvary fort in the Richmond-Rosenberg area outside of Houston Texas, was his first saddle shop opened in 1870, until its closure in 1989.
The Stelzig company made knife sheaths during World War II that were paired with fighting knives. It is unsure whether or not Stelzig Saddlery manufactured their own knives or if they had different manufacturers make the knives.
There have been numerous variations of Stelzig knuckle knives paired with the Stelzig marked sheath. The handles are well made and were influenced by the Model 1918 Mark 1 trench knife handle.
They are a very desirable knife and difficult to obtain.”
Mr. Aloiso was correct, these are very desirable and extremely difficult to come across! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to add this beauty to your fighting knives collections.
Comes ready to research and display!
Dimensions:
Blade Length: 8”
Handle Length: 5 ½”
Guard Width: 3”
Scabbard Length: 14”
