1552

PAIR OF RARE �NEW CALEDONIA� MADE WW2 FIGHTING

Currency:USD Category:Firearms & Military Start Price:300.00 USD Estimated At:600.00 - 900.00 USD
PAIR OF RARE �NEW CALEDONIA� MADE WW2 FIGHTING
KNIVES. Among the mysteries of World War II fighting knives, the maker of “NOUMEA, NEW CALEDONIA” knives is unknown. There were up to 50,000 allied troops stationed on the island of New Caledonia which is 750 miles off the East Coast of Australia. Noumea is capital of this French colonial island. Of the examples known, at least 3 are identified to members of the 2nd & 3rd Marine Raiders & 2 others are identified to US naval personnel. These unique knives have a variety of blade sizes but all are double-edged dagger point blades which are very well made & quite sturdy for their intended use. All have similar heavy brass lozenge -shaped cross guards. All have stag grips in quite an interesting variety, but all are attached by 2 iron pins. 1) 11" overall, 6 7/8" blade, 1.1" wide. 2.5" guard hand-engraved “Noumea” & “New Caledonia”. Straight stag grip attached w/ 2 iron pins. Very good overall w/ accompanying Brown leather sheath. Unattached accessory: hand-drawn card by Roger Ballard. 2) 12.25" overall, 8.25" blade, 1.4" wide, unmarked 2.5" thick brass ovoid cross guard, Crown stag grip apparently once had pinned plaque on top as to small holes are present to retain it. Very good overall. Unattached accessory: hand-drawn card by Roger Ballard & copy of TGCA magazine w/ article by Roger concerning these knives. PROVENANCE: Roger Ballard collection. (02-15164/JS). $600-900.