WW2 era souvenir knife - India

Dave1104 · 20th October 2012, 08:34 PM

Nothing really special here. My uncle just dug this out of a drawer and gave it to me. During WW2 he was stationed in China at a radar site on the eastern side of the Himalayas. At the conclusion of the war, he came back via India and picked up this souvenir knife. I'm presenting it here for any appropriate comments. I don't recognize it as anything more than a souvenir, but I do have a question regarding the plated words. I am assuming the "Victory" plated on one side refers to the recent victory over Japan. Does anyone have any ideas about the "Pure Steel" plated on the other side? Is it just a reference to the material used on the blade?

The scabbard is leather, although it has been repaired a few times by the use of cartridge brass. My uncle also braised the top of the hilt when it came loose.

Is this a common style of knife from India, or is it just someone's 1945 fantasy design?

Dave

Lew · 20th October 2012, 10:49 PM

Hi Dave

This is a typical Indian copy of a naval dirk. WW2 is about right as far as age goes.

Atlantia · 20th October 2012, 11:37 PM

Nice, at least it's an old one!
Open your mail with pride with that one I'd say!

20th October 2012, 08:34 PM	#1
Dave1104 Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 23	WW2 era souvenir knife - India Nothing really special here. My uncle just dug this out of a drawer and gave it to me. During WW2 he was stationed in China at a radar site on the eastern side of the Himalayas. At the conclusion of the war, he came back via India and picked up this souvenir knife. I'm presenting it here for any appropriate comments. I don't recognize it as anything more than a souvenir, but I do have a question regarding the plated words. I am assuming the "Victory" plated on one side refers to the recent victory over Japan. Does anyone have any ideas about the "Pure Steel" plated on the other side? Is it just a reference to the material used on the blade? The scabbard is leather, although it has been repaired a few times by the use of cartridge brass. My uncle also braised the top of the hilt when it came loose. Is this a common style of knife from India, or is it just someone's 1945 fantasy design? Dave Attached Images

20th October 2012, 10:49 PM	#2
Lew (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: East Coast USA Posts: 3,191	Hi Dave This is a typical Indian copy of a naval dirk. WW2 is about right as far as age goes.

20th October 2012, 11:37 PM	#3
Atlantia Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: The Sharp end Posts: 2,928	Nice, at least it's an old one! Open your mail with pride with that one I'd say!