iKnife Collector
A. Wingen Logo Identification...
Hello, I've been a member for a while now however this is my first post. I am not a knife collector per se, although I tend to always pick them up. My kids are all grown and gone thus taking any computer savvy that I may have had with them so here goes. Any help identifying this particular imprint will be greatly appreciated. I picked this knife up on an auction site of some notoriety and have since had no luck identifying this particular imprint. The blade is 5 3/4" and the knife is 10 5/8" overall. The blade appears to be carbon as apposed to stainless steel and the grip is an exotic wood of some sort. The hilt and pommel are nickel plated as well. The pictures make it look worse than is actually is. I am guessing 1950s but that's why I'm asking the experts... Any advice is appreciated, thanks....
In Memoriam
John McCain
Charles- I am so sorry I am late to this conversation, but have had a bad week personally to resolve. Anyhow, I concur with most of what has been previously said, with some minor exceptions.I agree that the age is most likely WWI era, and that the sheath would have been black leather with either German silver or nickel silver tip. My disagreement with my friend Bryan W. is on the the term "typical". In my opinion, it is far from typical.
1-It is single edged-most were double edged , being daggers
2-Most daggers of this period were handled in either stag ,deerfoot, or local wood
3-Most daggers of this period had a much longer crossguard if it had one
4-The use of what would appear to be an exotic imported wood for the handle.
My conclusion, be it only my opinion, is that this was a private purchase knife made for a person of either wealth or stature, perhaps an officer, who could afford such luxury. In addition, most boot knives used by the average soldier during this time frame were not as robust or heavy as you describe yours. Yours might have even been a special order purchase. A great find of a beautiful vintage knife.
Oct 14, 2016
Bryan W
Hiya John nice to have you back. I concur completely, as I should have clarified my "typical" remark in general terms of a pattern and not the details. Im glad you dug deep into the details, I just have not had the time to attack it. Nice!
Oct 14, 2016
Charles Fields
No apologies necessary, thank you for your response... I am still surprised that it dates to the WW1 era but that's what so great about these forums, the exchange of opinions, ideas and information. I would love to know what became of the original scabbard. As was suggested, it was most likely made of leather (black), tipped in some sort of nickel or German silver. I think it was most likely free of designs or relief work with clean smooth lines. This would give it that slightly understated appearance, so not to appear gaudy. I think that would give it an Art Deco look from the mid twenties through the 1930's, or at least that's what comes to mind. Again thank you for your response and good luck...
Oct 15, 2016