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Price is $300 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
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OSS Thumb Dagger - Anyone have a pic or link?
- Thread starter dogman
- Start date
I took this of the web quite some time ago. It's an article from Tactical Knives Magazine. I haven't got any pics, but you might like this.
TACTICAL KNIVES, March 1997
TINY TERRORS
WW II Thumb & Lapel Daggers
Many WW II agents depended on these hide-out blades to return from Germany alive!
By Leroy Thompson
Wilkinson Sword produced a very small number of thumb daggers bearing the Wilkinson Sword logo.
Within the last couple of decades, when I've worked with British police or military unitseven special operations unitsI've noticed that rarely is the thought of carrying a second or third handgun considered, even on extremely dangerous missions. On VIP protection assignments when I carried three guns as a norm, British colleagues normally carried only one. I guess it isn't so surprising, then, that during World War II when firearms were relatively scarce among British special forces troops a backup handgun was rarely carried. On the other hand, some British Commandos, SAS, SOE or other special operations troops were virtually festooned with blades.
For example, I have the close combat weapons of one well known member of X Troopthe German speaking troop of #10 (Inter Allied) Commando. Although included are a shoulder holster for a Colt pocket model, as well as a crotch holster for the same weapon, blades were definitely in the preponderance. This Commando, though quite a small man, went into battle bristling with edged weapons, as many as a half dozen or more.
The scarcity of firearms previously mentioned, no doubt, contributed to this mind set, but I also think the closecombat training based on the precepts of W.E. Fairbairn gave the British special forces a respect for the blade as a close quarters weapon.
Camp X
Graduates of training schools such as Camp X in Canada or the Achnicarry Commando Training Center became confident in their ability with the blade. They knew edged weapons were easier to conceal and would be easier to discard if necessary when operating in occupied territory. Weapons such as the Fairbairn Sykes knife or the Smatchet were, of course, preferred for close combat, but these were both large weapons intended for uniformed troops. And, even such uniformed troops assumed that they might be captured and have their major edged weapons taken away As a result, among agents and special forces troops, highly concealable slashing and puncturing weapons became quite popular.
Commando nails, hatpins, sleeve daggers, coin slashers and other such weapons were all quite popular. But perhaps the most popular of these specialized little blades were the thumb and lapel daggers. These two variations on the same theme have also held quite a fascination for collectors of clandestine blades, even among many experienced collectors who only have read about the blades or seen them in photos, due to the rarity of authentic examples today.
I have not been able to determine who originated the idea of the thumb or lapel dagger, though I have some ideas. I have in my collection E.A. Sykes' lapel dagger, which bears his chop and which he carried in a carved ivory card case. I do not, however, know if Sykes had this dagger made before he left Shanghai or later in the UK. I have, however, speculated that some of the small blades used by clandestine and special forces warriors in World War 11 bear some resemblance to traditional small Asian blades used by practitioners of some of the Eastern fighting arts. Fairbairn, of course, had been one of the first westerners to receive a black belt in ju jitsu and was interested in the Chinese fighting arts as well. Hence, it is certainly not impossible that he had experimented at the Shanghai Municipal Police armory with small fighting knives.
Before taking this discussion any further, it would probably help clarify later comments if I defined the difference between what are normally called lapel and thumb knives. Normally, the lapel knife or lapel dagger is the smaller of the two, having an overall length between 2.5 and 3 inches. The thumb knife or thumb dagger normally has an overall length of about 3.5 to 4 inches. Both are usually double edged with a spear point, but there are exceptions. Some, for example, may have a serrated edge. Both generally also have cross milling or cross hatching to allow a better grip. Standard versions of either knife commonly have a thong hole above the cross hatching.
Shanghai Days
At least one point which lends some credibility to the suggestion that the idea for thumb or lapel blades originated in Shanghai: The first examples of what would later be called thumb knives were made from the tips of the same Lee Mefford bayonets which were used to make the prototypes of the F S knife in Shanghai and later in Britain. In fact, by comparing an early prototype F S I have which is sheathed along with one of these thumb daggers in a pocket on the front of the sheath, it appears the two were made from the same bayonet. Less than 100 examples of these prototype thumb knives were made by Wilkinson and John Paisley and, though rough when compared to latter examples, I find them quite interesting due to their place in the evolution of these compact blades.
Another early example of what would later become thumb and lapel daggers was intended to resemble a nail file. Often carried in a case along with a comb, it was intended that an agent or captured soldier would appear to be weaponless yet would have an effective clandestine slashing weapon. These examples are quite thin but nominally have sharp edges and a point which can also be used for thrusts against soft targets. Many of these early blades were produced by Maupin and Webb of London.
Also produced very early, about 1940, by Wilkinson was a very high quality thumb knife, etched with the Wilkinson Sword logo on one side and "The Thumb Knife" on the other side. These examples are extremely rare, as perhaps only a dozen or so were made. Wilkinson continued to produce thumb and lapel daggers for customers, but they were either marked "WSC" or with the code number "3."
Thumb or lapel knives were never general issue items, instead being intended for private purchase by special operations troops or others desiring an extremely concealable blade. There are, however, "WD" or broad arrow marked examples as individual units such as Commando troops placed unit orders.
One ex-Commando who is very knowledgeable about these blades speculated to me that the "official markings" came about because of Hitler's Commando Order, which stated that all clandestine raiding troops should be treated as spies and executed. By marking even their hideout blades with War Department markings, it was thought it would be easier to argue that they were uniformed conventional raiding troops. Whether this is a valid assumption I don't know. I do know that the Nazis associated the thumb and lapel dagger with SOE and Free French agents, to the extent that the Abwohr produced its own thumb knife for fake agents when attempting to infiltrate them into resistance cells. The idea was that the "agent" could clean his fingernails with the thumb knife or otherwise flash it in a known resistance hangout in hopes of being approached. Such Abwehr blades are normally marked "OE." I do not know what this code stands for.
Free French
Free French forces were among the most avid purchasers of thumb and lapel daggers, perhaps because they operated frequently behind enemy lines, perhaps because they appealed to their Gallic sense of romance. H.G. Long had a small contract for French forces, virtually all of which were reportedly lost when the aircraft carrying them for a drop over occupied France was shot down.
Bert Warden, a jeweler, also made some lapel daggers for BCRA (Bureau Central des Renseignements et d'Action), De Gaulle's intelligence and espionage agency. Other lapel or thumb daggers were marked "FFl" for French Forces of the Interior and sold commercially to members of the Free French Commandos or other French personnel. Many French agents preferred the card case method of carrying their thumb daggers and had such cases altered to contain a clandestine blade.
Among the specialized thumb or lapel daggers some of my favorites were those made for Scottish troops, many of whom joined Commando units. John Paisley, a renowned Scottish bladesmith known for his fine file work, produced a skean dubh style lapel or thumb dagger which was purchased by some Scottish soldiers. Also intended for the Scottish market was a lapel blade designed to conceal within a Scottish cockade as worn on the bonnet. Although the examples of these I've seen have normally not been marked, there is speculation by former SAS officer and expert on clandestine weapons Pete Mason that Phoenix Iron Works made these blades. Mason also attributes thumb knives marked "B 2" to Sanderson of Sheffield.
Thumb knives marked "M S Ltd" are sometimes encountered, though these were reportedly actually produced by Case. I've seen very nice examples bearing the Canadian "C" as well as a Maple Leaf decal, but the most interesting M S Ltd clandestine knives were those made for World War II combat swimmers.
Designed for use by COPPs, SBS or other such specialized units, these thumb knives had a squared off hilt with four holes, most likely to make it easier to lash them to a pole for use as a spear. They were carried in a rubber sheath which completely sealed the knife inside for watertightness. If needed, the blade was shifted inside the rubber container to slice itself free. Reportedly, members of X Troop of #10 Commando used these sheaths for their escape and evasion blades.
Because most clandestine blades were manufactured on a custom or semi custom basis, variations will be as diverse as the imagination of those who carried them. A few examples, for instance, had curved or angled blades to fit the contour of the body better, much as Gerber angled the blades on the earliest Mark us. Special blade configurations also included "the hand of Fatima" or a "gutripper." My example of the latter was produced by Alcock & Pierce, the Australian supplier of many special operations blades. Variations also occur in the shape of the flat "hilt" of the blade where the thumb and forefinger are placed. The number of thong holes may also vary. Normally, most thumb blades have one thong hole and were intended to be used with a thong looped through and wrapped around the forefinger, a technique which allowed the blade to function as E push dagger as well as a slashing weapon
There was an illustrated manual offering tactical tips for the use of the thumb knife. It was suggested, for example, that wher an agent was asked to produce papers, the thumb knife could be drawn from concealment near the breast pocket and used to slash the hand with multiple cuts across the veins and arteries to bleed the enemy to death. That this technique was taken to heart is illustrated by a sport coat given to me by a former British agent, who had a sheath for his thumb knife sewn next to the inside breast pocket. The other primary technique suggested was the thrust to the eyes, nose or trachea. It was illustrated that the thong should be tightened inside the fist and the blade positioned between the forefinger and middle finger, which would grip it tightly.
In conversations with various agents or special forces operators who carried thumb or lapel blades, only once was I told of actual use of or~ie of the blades. In this case, the blade was used in the first suggested method against the back of the hand. The individual relating the tale mentioned blood gushing everywhere but did not specify if the victim died; I assume he did, however.
This instance aside, the effectiveness of thumb and lapel knives is somewhat debatable. In the hands of someone trained in close combat, there is little doubt that even a compact blade can be devastating. I think, however, the greatest value of the thumb and lapel blades during World War 11 was as morale builders and as aids in creating an aggressive martial spirit. The knowledge that concealed about one's person was a small blade which would necessitate getting close to the enemy and shedding a great deal of blood was symbolic of having made the decision that in a "him or me" situation, "he" was going to be the one to die.
Because of their scarcity, thumb and lapel blades offer an elusive but fascinating collecting field for those interested in World War 11 edged weapons. Certainly, those SOE, SAS, SBS, Commando or OSS personnel who counted out a few shillings for their thumb or lapel daggers over a half century ago would be surprised to hear that collectors willingly pay $300 $500 for examples today. Personally, I find these compact blades among the most interesting of all special operations knives, but I normally back my Glock up with a Seecamp .32 auto and my Spyderco, Applegate Fairbairn or Benchmade folder, not a thumb dagger!
TACTICAL KNIVES, March 1997
Harris Publications | Tactical Knives
Text & Pictures Copyright 1997 © Harris Publications, Inc.
Screen Layout & Design Copyright 1997 © Shooters' Online Services, Inc.
TACTICAL KNIVES, March 1997
TINY TERRORS
WW II Thumb & Lapel Daggers
Many WW II agents depended on these hide-out blades to return from Germany alive!
By Leroy Thompson
Wilkinson Sword produced a very small number of thumb daggers bearing the Wilkinson Sword logo.
Within the last couple of decades, when I've worked with British police or military unitseven special operations unitsI've noticed that rarely is the thought of carrying a second or third handgun considered, even on extremely dangerous missions. On VIP protection assignments when I carried three guns as a norm, British colleagues normally carried only one. I guess it isn't so surprising, then, that during World War II when firearms were relatively scarce among British special forces troops a backup handgun was rarely carried. On the other hand, some British Commandos, SAS, SOE or other special operations troops were virtually festooned with blades.
For example, I have the close combat weapons of one well known member of X Troopthe German speaking troop of #10 (Inter Allied) Commando. Although included are a shoulder holster for a Colt pocket model, as well as a crotch holster for the same weapon, blades were definitely in the preponderance. This Commando, though quite a small man, went into battle bristling with edged weapons, as many as a half dozen or more.
The scarcity of firearms previously mentioned, no doubt, contributed to this mind set, but I also think the closecombat training based on the precepts of W.E. Fairbairn gave the British special forces a respect for the blade as a close quarters weapon.
Camp X
Graduates of training schools such as Camp X in Canada or the Achnicarry Commando Training Center became confident in their ability with the blade. They knew edged weapons were easier to conceal and would be easier to discard if necessary when operating in occupied territory. Weapons such as the Fairbairn Sykes knife or the Smatchet were, of course, preferred for close combat, but these were both large weapons intended for uniformed troops. And, even such uniformed troops assumed that they might be captured and have their major edged weapons taken away As a result, among agents and special forces troops, highly concealable slashing and puncturing weapons became quite popular.
Commando nails, hatpins, sleeve daggers, coin slashers and other such weapons were all quite popular. But perhaps the most popular of these specialized little blades were the thumb and lapel daggers. These two variations on the same theme have also held quite a fascination for collectors of clandestine blades, even among many experienced collectors who only have read about the blades or seen them in photos, due to the rarity of authentic examples today.
I have not been able to determine who originated the idea of the thumb or lapel dagger, though I have some ideas. I have in my collection E.A. Sykes' lapel dagger, which bears his chop and which he carried in a carved ivory card case. I do not, however, know if Sykes had this dagger made before he left Shanghai or later in the UK. I have, however, speculated that some of the small blades used by clandestine and special forces warriors in World War 11 bear some resemblance to traditional small Asian blades used by practitioners of some of the Eastern fighting arts. Fairbairn, of course, had been one of the first westerners to receive a black belt in ju jitsu and was interested in the Chinese fighting arts as well. Hence, it is certainly not impossible that he had experimented at the Shanghai Municipal Police armory with small fighting knives.
Before taking this discussion any further, it would probably help clarify later comments if I defined the difference between what are normally called lapel and thumb knives. Normally, the lapel knife or lapel dagger is the smaller of the two, having an overall length between 2.5 and 3 inches. The thumb knife or thumb dagger normally has an overall length of about 3.5 to 4 inches. Both are usually double edged with a spear point, but there are exceptions. Some, for example, may have a serrated edge. Both generally also have cross milling or cross hatching to allow a better grip. Standard versions of either knife commonly have a thong hole above the cross hatching.
Shanghai Days
At least one point which lends some credibility to the suggestion that the idea for thumb or lapel blades originated in Shanghai: The first examples of what would later be called thumb knives were made from the tips of the same Lee Mefford bayonets which were used to make the prototypes of the F S knife in Shanghai and later in Britain. In fact, by comparing an early prototype F S I have which is sheathed along with one of these thumb daggers in a pocket on the front of the sheath, it appears the two were made from the same bayonet. Less than 100 examples of these prototype thumb knives were made by Wilkinson and John Paisley and, though rough when compared to latter examples, I find them quite interesting due to their place in the evolution of these compact blades.
Another early example of what would later become thumb and lapel daggers was intended to resemble a nail file. Often carried in a case along with a comb, it was intended that an agent or captured soldier would appear to be weaponless yet would have an effective clandestine slashing weapon. These examples are quite thin but nominally have sharp edges and a point which can also be used for thrusts against soft targets. Many of these early blades were produced by Maupin and Webb of London.
Also produced very early, about 1940, by Wilkinson was a very high quality thumb knife, etched with the Wilkinson Sword logo on one side and "The Thumb Knife" on the other side. These examples are extremely rare, as perhaps only a dozen or so were made. Wilkinson continued to produce thumb and lapel daggers for customers, but they were either marked "WSC" or with the code number "3."
Thumb or lapel knives were never general issue items, instead being intended for private purchase by special operations troops or others desiring an extremely concealable blade. There are, however, "WD" or broad arrow marked examples as individual units such as Commando troops placed unit orders.
One ex-Commando who is very knowledgeable about these blades speculated to me that the "official markings" came about because of Hitler's Commando Order, which stated that all clandestine raiding troops should be treated as spies and executed. By marking even their hideout blades with War Department markings, it was thought it would be easier to argue that they were uniformed conventional raiding troops. Whether this is a valid assumption I don't know. I do know that the Nazis associated the thumb and lapel dagger with SOE and Free French agents, to the extent that the Abwohr produced its own thumb knife for fake agents when attempting to infiltrate them into resistance cells. The idea was that the "agent" could clean his fingernails with the thumb knife or otherwise flash it in a known resistance hangout in hopes of being approached. Such Abwehr blades are normally marked "OE." I do not know what this code stands for.
Free French
Free French forces were among the most avid purchasers of thumb and lapel daggers, perhaps because they operated frequently behind enemy lines, perhaps because they appealed to their Gallic sense of romance. H.G. Long had a small contract for French forces, virtually all of which were reportedly lost when the aircraft carrying them for a drop over occupied France was shot down.
Bert Warden, a jeweler, also made some lapel daggers for BCRA (Bureau Central des Renseignements et d'Action), De Gaulle's intelligence and espionage agency. Other lapel or thumb daggers were marked "FFl" for French Forces of the Interior and sold commercially to members of the Free French Commandos or other French personnel. Many French agents preferred the card case method of carrying their thumb daggers and had such cases altered to contain a clandestine blade.
Among the specialized thumb or lapel daggers some of my favorites were those made for Scottish troops, many of whom joined Commando units. John Paisley, a renowned Scottish bladesmith known for his fine file work, produced a skean dubh style lapel or thumb dagger which was purchased by some Scottish soldiers. Also intended for the Scottish market was a lapel blade designed to conceal within a Scottish cockade as worn on the bonnet. Although the examples of these I've seen have normally not been marked, there is speculation by former SAS officer and expert on clandestine weapons Pete Mason that Phoenix Iron Works made these blades. Mason also attributes thumb knives marked "B 2" to Sanderson of Sheffield.
Thumb knives marked "M S Ltd" are sometimes encountered, though these were reportedly actually produced by Case. I've seen very nice examples bearing the Canadian "C" as well as a Maple Leaf decal, but the most interesting M S Ltd clandestine knives were those made for World War II combat swimmers.
Designed for use by COPPs, SBS or other such specialized units, these thumb knives had a squared off hilt with four holes, most likely to make it easier to lash them to a pole for use as a spear. They were carried in a rubber sheath which completely sealed the knife inside for watertightness. If needed, the blade was shifted inside the rubber container to slice itself free. Reportedly, members of X Troop of #10 Commando used these sheaths for their escape and evasion blades.
Because most clandestine blades were manufactured on a custom or semi custom basis, variations will be as diverse as the imagination of those who carried them. A few examples, for instance, had curved or angled blades to fit the contour of the body better, much as Gerber angled the blades on the earliest Mark us. Special blade configurations also included "the hand of Fatima" or a "gutripper." My example of the latter was produced by Alcock & Pierce, the Australian supplier of many special operations blades. Variations also occur in the shape of the flat "hilt" of the blade where the thumb and forefinger are placed. The number of thong holes may also vary. Normally, most thumb blades have one thong hole and were intended to be used with a thong looped through and wrapped around the forefinger, a technique which allowed the blade to function as E push dagger as well as a slashing weapon
There was an illustrated manual offering tactical tips for the use of the thumb knife. It was suggested, for example, that wher an agent was asked to produce papers, the thumb knife could be drawn from concealment near the breast pocket and used to slash the hand with multiple cuts across the veins and arteries to bleed the enemy to death. That this technique was taken to heart is illustrated by a sport coat given to me by a former British agent, who had a sheath for his thumb knife sewn next to the inside breast pocket. The other primary technique suggested was the thrust to the eyes, nose or trachea. It was illustrated that the thong should be tightened inside the fist and the blade positioned between the forefinger and middle finger, which would grip it tightly.
In conversations with various agents or special forces operators who carried thumb or lapel blades, only once was I told of actual use of or~ie of the blades. In this case, the blade was used in the first suggested method against the back of the hand. The individual relating the tale mentioned blood gushing everywhere but did not specify if the victim died; I assume he did, however.
This instance aside, the effectiveness of thumb and lapel knives is somewhat debatable. In the hands of someone trained in close combat, there is little doubt that even a compact blade can be devastating. I think, however, the greatest value of the thumb and lapel blades during World War 11 was as morale builders and as aids in creating an aggressive martial spirit. The knowledge that concealed about one's person was a small blade which would necessitate getting close to the enemy and shedding a great deal of blood was symbolic of having made the decision that in a "him or me" situation, "he" was going to be the one to die.
Because of their scarcity, thumb and lapel blades offer an elusive but fascinating collecting field for those interested in World War 11 edged weapons. Certainly, those SOE, SAS, SBS, Commando or OSS personnel who counted out a few shillings for their thumb or lapel daggers over a half century ago would be surprised to hear that collectors willingly pay $300 $500 for examples today. Personally, I find these compact blades among the most interesting of all special operations knives, but I normally back my Glock up with a Seecamp .32 auto and my Spyderco, Applegate Fairbairn or Benchmade folder, not a thumb dagger!
TACTICAL KNIVES, March 1997
Harris Publications | Tactical Knives
Text & Pictures Copyright 1997 © Harris Publications, Inc.
Screen Layout & Design Copyright 1997 © Shooters' Online Services, Inc.
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Blackjack Knives had these available in their 1994 catalog. I scanned the picture and posted it here.
http://www.freeyellow.com/members5/geobar/oss.JPG
http://www.freeyellow.com/members5/geobar/oss.JPG