Luftwaffe Paratrooper Gravity Knife 2nd Model [Type IIa] – R.B.Nr. 0/0561/0020 – Paul Weyersberg Solingen

Luftwaffe Paratrooper Gravity Knife 2nd Model [Type IIa] – R.B.Nr. 0/0561/0020 – Paul Weyersberg Solingen

Luftwaffe Paratrooper Gravity Knife 2nd Model, Type IIa, late production version, manufactured by Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen. This variant is classified in the specialist literature to approximately 1943–1944. The blade is marked with the Reichsbetriebsnummer R.B.Nr. 0/0561/0020. On this late production version, the earlier company logo was no longer used on the blade.

Grip & Housing: The knife has the typical disassemblable construction of the 2nd Model, with wooden grip plates, metal housing and side release lever. On the Paul Weyersberg production, the metal housing is eight-riveted. This rivet pattern is one of the characteristic features of this maker’s construction.

Blade: Single-edged blade made of carbon steel. The blade bears the documented Paul Weyersberg marking R.B.Nr. 0/0561/0020. During late Type IIa production, the earlier maker logo was replaced by the Reichsbetriebsnummer. Metal head, blade and other components could receive assembly or fitting marks during production.

Marlin Spike: The fold-out marlin spike / awl is located on the narrow side of the knife housing. A characteristic feature of Paul Weyersberg production is the double-riveted flat spring of the marlin spike. The marlin spike bears a Luftwaffe inspection stamp. The construction and mounting of the lower flat spring also differ from the production of the Solinger Metallwaren-Fabrik.

Condition: Preserved 2nd Model paratrooper gravity knife in the late Weyersberg Type IIa version. The wooden grip plates, metal housing, side release lever, carbon steel blade and marlin spike are present. The blade bears the R.B.Nr. 0/0561/0020. The knife shows age- and use-related traces.

Historical Background: Luftwaffe Paratrooper Gravity Knife 2nd Model Type IIa by Paul Weyersberg

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