Lot 5557

Description

Australian Army Stiletto, (aka Australian Commando Knife), with cast metal 'Mazak' (zinc alloy) handle, ricasso stamped, 'Gregory/Steel/Products', no scabbard. Guard a little loose, otherwise very fine and scarce.

Design based on the First Pattern Fairbairn Sykes fighting knives carried by British Commando instructors sent to Australia during WWII to help establish the Australian Independent Companies (Commandos). There were two makers of the Australian Army Stiletto, Gregory Steel in Melbourne and Whittingslowe Engineering in Adelaide. It is known that all members of the 2/6 Independent Company were issued with the knife as were many members of Z Special Unit and presumably members of other Independent Companies. It is estimated that in the period 1943-1944 about 500 were manufactured by Gregory Steel Products at their premises at 10 Perry Street, Collingwood.

No mail out for this lot, collection only from Sydney Office

Note: Licence to own required in State of Victoria, Australia.