March 15-17, 2022 Collectible Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/16/2022
WWII OSS stiletto contained a Fairbairn-Sykes leather scabbard. The stiletto features an unmarked 5 - 1/2" blade with a deeply knurled brass grip, oval crossguard, and rounded pommel with cap. This example is complete with a scabbard that is often associated with 1st Pattern and 2nd Pattern Fairbairn-Sykes knives and features a rounded chape, as well as the signature leather "wing" tabs. The knife was originally owned by Brigadier General Theodore C. Mataxis, who served during WWII as a Colonel and the commander of 2nd Battalion, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division from April 1943-August 1945. According to the tag which accompanied this piece, the stiletto was captured by the German Army and later recaptured by the Colonel. Mataxis was known to have captured a variety of souvenirs and this knife is fresh to the market directly from his collection along with many other guns and militaria which have been offered at Morphy Auctions. CONDITION: The blade has dulled and exhibits a grey patina with areas of pitting and spotting. The brass handle has aged well and has darkened. Crossguard exhibits surface rust. The scabbard is a bit stiff and exhibits blemishes. Overall good. JLD