How could I authenticate a LILE Rambo prototype?

T

TonyC

Joined
Jul 23, 2003
Messages
89
I recently acquired a Jimmy Lile hollow handled knife which has the "LILE" no dot mark stamped on the blade.

I have been told by the previous owner that it was purchased in a movie prop auction. The story goes that Mr. Lile was asked to produce a knife for the First Blood movie (so far so good) apparantly Mr Lile produced three prototype knives which Mr Stallone came to view, from these three he picked the model which was used in the film obviously leaving the other two to go their separate ways.

I have been told that the knife I have is one of these two other knives. Now I have no doubt that the knife I have is a genuine Lile but I would like to see if I could authenticate this story. Anyone got any ideas.

I know it would help to post a picture but unfortunately I am unable to do so, although if anyone is interested I can e mail a photo to them. The blade is seven inches long, bead blast finish, no saw back. Cross guard is rounded at the tips no screwdrivers and each end has a hole through it. Handle is cord wrapped with removable pommel which ends in a round point I would say it's made of brass, no compass fitted inside but there is a survival kit in the handle comprising matches, matcn striker, needles, fishing hooks and line, razor blade.

Any of you guys got any ideas? Do you know if it's possible to contact Mrs Lile and if so did Jimmy keep any records of the knives he made over the years? Please help as I woulld love to know. I guess my only other option is to see if I could contact Mr Stallone himself to see if the story ties up, but somehow I don't think that's going to be that easy.

Cheers,

Tony
 
You might also try to track down a Mr. Lynn Griffith. As far as I know, he had worked with Jimmy Lile for many years and was helping Mrs. Lile run the company and make the knives after Jimmy's passing. I think he's the one that made the Lile Combat (with dot) that I bought from he and Mrs. Lile at the last Solvang show where they exhibited about two years ago. I sure wish I'd also bought the Grey Ghost on the table that day as well.

John
 
Sad to say but Mr. Lile is no longer with us and I'm not sure but I think Lile Knives was sold. I don't know how you would go about getting your info. There's got to be someone on the forums who could help you. Someone who had close ties to Lile Knives. Good luck
 
Lile knives was not sold. They closed the business. I think there are some Lile designs now being made in the far east under license.

John
 
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