New Zealand original WW2 era AKE REGD knuckle-duster handle fighting knife, dagger blade, theater-made scabbard; RARE TYPE

Description New Zealand AKE WW2 fighting knife, theater-made sheath, rare spear-point dagger type blade. Solid cast aluminum handle; dagger blade stamped “AKE REGD”. VERY hard to find WW2 “Kiwi fighter” type; don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection! Rare WW2 era fighting dagger made in New Zealand by a little-known AKE manufacturer (stamped AKE REGD on the blade).  This type is erroneously listed as an Australian fighter on pages 64-65 of the KNIVES OF THE UNITED STATES MILITARY WORLD WAR II book by Michael W Silvey, but M.H. Cole correctly identifies it as one of the New Zealand-made fighting blades. Ron Flook also illustrated this exact type on page 215 in his excellent reference book BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH MILITARY KNIVES, as the fighter manufactured in New Zealand (see the book’s scans attached).  Regardless of its actual point of origin, this WW2 era fighting knife type is quite rare; most of the surviving specimens are in private collections and rarely come up for sale. Looks like this fighting knife was used as intended – the “skull crusher” at the base of the handle is a bit flattened; the 4-point bow shows a few contact marks; the blade has been re-sharpened. High-carbon steel blade has some pitting from exposure to the elements; the tip is intact. The manufacturer’s stamp AKE REGD is boldly struck on ricasso; the die-cast solid aluminum handle is unmarked. The handle is in great overall condition, considering the age; a couple of imperfections from the die casting are noted for accuracy.  This fighting knife is about 10-3/8″ / 26.4 cm overall; dual-edge dagger-point blade is about 5-3/4″ / 14.6 cm long; the blade is tight with no play. WW2 era “theater-made” custom leather sheath is not original AKE manufacture, bit it fits the blade perfectly.  The the leather is a bit stiff but the sheath is in good shape overall; all rivets are intact. Almost 80 years after it was made this rare New Zealand AKE WW2 fighting knife is in 100% serviceable condition still. This type is hard to find in any condition these days – don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection! This original New Zealand AKE WW2 fighting knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, it is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos; Garand clips are nor include with the knife �� I have a few WW2 era British and Australian combat knives and bayonets, scarce American and German WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives available for sale – please take a look in the store’s Militaria section. Argocoins accepts all major credit cards as forms of payment for militaria items and collectable knives. Please email me at [email protected] if you would like to make a credit card purchase over the phone. Old-fashioned checks and money orders will work as well; please take a look at the Payments section within our Terms and Conditions for additional details. Follow me on Facebook @argoman400BC to keep an eye on the latest additions and promotions. FREE SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. FOR THIS ITEM! No International shipping for this item, sorry (too many international customs prohibit import of D-guard knives).