Boker V-42 Devil's Brigade 2.1 02BO109

The Devil's Brigade was formed in July 1942. Under the official name of 1st Special Service Force, American and Canadian soldiers were brought together to form a special unit that was specially trained to fight behind enemy lines. The roots of many special units after the Second World War can be traced back to this unit. The many night operations, for which all faces were blackened for camouflage, probably for the first time, earned them the nickname Black Devils in the German Armed Forces, which testifies to the great respect the enemy had for this relatively small unit. The 1st SSF carried out many successful missions in Italy and France between 1943 and 1944 and was able to have a decisive influence on important situations in the course of the war. An important piece of equipment for the Devil's Brigade was the specially designed V-42 combat knife, which was also part of the intensive close combat training. The handle made of pressed leather discs ends in a tapered striking piece. A thin leather padding under the slightly curved parrying element was intended to prevent injuries when thrusting. The coated blade made of non-stainless 1095 carbon steel is sharpened on both sides and has a grooved thumb ramp in the ricasso area. This legendary dagger is still adorned with the emblem of the Special Forces of the US Army. We supply this select collector's item not only with the classic, deep-fitting leather sheath, but also with a replica of the unit's textile insignia, the red spearhead, as well as a reproduction of the original German language sticker with the text Das dicke Ende kommt noch! (The big end is yet to come!) together with the 1st SSF insignia, which was stuck on walls, cars, walls, doors, etc. behind enemy lines at night to demoralise them. A military-historical ensemble worth collecting.