Presented for thecollector of WWII combat knives or one who appreciates them with a little character is this specimen of the famed WWII Office of Strategic Services stiletto as manufactured by Landers, Frary, & Clark of New Britain, Connecticut. Most references cite a production total of about 10,000 pieces in 1942 for the newly created Office of Strategic Services. With their unique "spatula" type scabbards and knurling extending all the way to the guard they are easily distinguishable from 2nd pattern Fairbairn-Sykes stilettos. Unfortunately, the F-S was the superior product as the OSS stilettos were somewhat brittle (at least the first run of them) and were frequently prone to breakage at the tip. Nearly every combat used specimen I have had or have seen has been retipped to some degree. Issuance extended to all theaters; however, there was a significant quantity still on hand at war's end. The last known issuance of these stilettos was during the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961. They were likely issued to members of the Brigada Assalto 2506. These were the gallant Cuban exiles who were unfortunately abandoned by the Kennedy administration in mid-assault. Typical move there and we've had to put up with that nonsense down therefor the last 56 years. Teddy Roosevelt would have stomped a mudhole in their rear end if he would have been around and we'd all be smoking habanos right now. Doubtlessly there are some old OSS stilettos that grace the mantles of some Communist insurrectos who are able to brag to their grandkids about how they capturedit from a "Yankee invader." Now THAT would besome neat history. I'm sure a few got to Vietnam in the hands of "spooks," but that is another story. This well-used specimen likely saw service during the Second World War. It has obviously been "tipped" after having lost about inch of the blade. The current blade length is 5 1/2 inches. Otherwise it is in untouched, uncleaned, as-found condition with a nice patina. Most of the bluing is worn off of the blade and the black oxide finish on the handle is also worn from use. I've only seen this amount of wear on combat used specimens. I have a nearly identical one insofar as condition as used by an OSS operative of the Special Recon Battalion in Greece. This OSS stiletto would be a welcome addition to any collection of military knives at a fraction of the price of a mint specimen. It would certainly compliment any collection of WWII special operations ephemera, OSS/Jedburgh material, etc. Combat used specimens of this stiletto are rather rare. ! Please see my other listings for items which may interest you. Good luck!
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