OSS Matchet - The Firearms Forum

berto64 · 07-31-2008, 11:19 PM

Anyone familiar with this tool/weapon?

It was made during WWII for use by members of the OSS I was told. I have an opportunity to acquire one and was wondering if it's worth messing with.

Thanks folks.

berto

TranterUK · 08-01-2008, 01:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by berto64

Anyone familiar with this tool/weapon?

It was made during WWII for use by members of the OSS I was told. I have an opportunity to acquire one and was wondering if it's worth messing with.

Thanks folks.

berto

The leaf bladed 'Smachet' fighting knife was designed in WW2 by the well known WE Fairbairn, co designer of the British Commando dagger and close in fighting expert.

They may well have been used by OSS but I doubt it, they were too distinctive for 'secret' work. They were for Commando, i.e. special forces issue. I have a manual in some dark corner of a book case, I shall look for it later.

Are there any markings? If original it could be quite valuable.

Pistolenschutze · 08-01-2008, 07:30 AM

You never know, Berto, it may have been owned by Wild Bill Donovan himself!

berto64 · 08-01-2008, 08:35 PM

Again, this item is at my brother's in Oregon.

He says it is without any markings of any kind.

Nothing is stamped on it or even scratched into it according to my brother.

Any information forthcoming would be appreciated.

berto64 · 08-11-2008, 06:34 PM

I found this on Google....

http://www.bellum.nu/armoury/CombatSmatchet.html

07-31-2008, 11:19 PM	#1
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,385	OSS Matchet Anyone familiar with this tool/weapon? It was made during WWII for use by members of the OSS I was told. I have an opportunity to acquire one and was wondering if it's worth messing with. Thanks folks. berto __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God. -->

08-01-2008, 07:30 AM	#3
Pistolenschutze Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 13,094	Re: OSS Matchet You never know, Berto, it may have been owned by Wild Bill Donovan himself! __________________ --Pistolenschutze (Pistol Shooter)

08-01-2008, 08:35 PM	#4
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,385	Re: OSS Matchet Again, this item is at my brother's in Oregon. He says it is without any markings of any kind. Nothing is stamped on it or even scratched into it according to my brother. Any information forthcoming would be appreciated. __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.

08-11-2008, 06:34 PM	#5
berto64 VMBB Admin Staff Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Owyhee County, Idaho Contributor Posts: 7,385	Re: OSS Matchet I found this on Google.... http://www.bellum.nu/armoury/CombatSmatchet.html __________________ Be who you are & say what you will, Those that matter won't mind and those that mind don't matter. I'm a bitter clinger, One Nation Under God.