Vietnam War era Sheffield-made British RAF Type D Survival Knife; rare 1st pattern pre-production specimen, original scabbard, UNUSED

Description Vietnam War era Type D survival knife; rare Sheffield-made 1960s 1st pattern unmarked pre-production specimen likely manufactured by John Nowill & Sons; original leather scabbard included. Scarce UNUSED condition; this type is VERY hard to find this nice and complete. This is a rare pre-production run of the classic 1st pattern British military Type D survival/fighting knife, which was manufactured by several makers for the British Royal Air Force in the 1960s – early 1970s. This particular 1st pattern specimen is completely unmarked, but the overall pattern and blade finish point to John Nowill & Sons manufacture in Sheffield, England. Original pre-production pattern leather sheath is included as well; it is also unused. The “Type D” was designed after WW2 for the use by the British Para and later adapted as an official “survival knife” by several NATO members. This exact type is illustrated on pages 101-102 of the excellent reference book BRITISH AND COMMONWEALTH MILITARY KNIVES by Ron Flook (see the book’s pages scans attached). This scarce 1st pattern pre-production specimen is in rare unused condition and it includes an extremely hard-to-find original pre-production pattern leather scabbard. The first production series had famously flimsy leather scabbards that just didn’t stand-up to the real-life challenges.  I also happen to have one 1st pattern factory-marked Type D specimen in unused condition available for sale; please take a look. The heavy-duty blade with dark non-reflective finish has a distinctive “1st pattern” flat grind; original factory edge is razor-sharp; the tip is intact. This is a monster of a knife; it is about 12-3/8″ / 31.5 cm overall; the blade is about 7-1/8″ /18 cm long. Solid full-tang construction; thick moisture-resistant rosewood handle scales with 2 iron pins and a wide iron double guard; all parts are tight with no play. Original dark-gray leather scabbard is in excellent condition – all original stitching and rivers, the keeper with the early snap-type closure is intact; the leather is soft and supple still. Don’t miss your chance to add this rare pre-production run Vietnam War era Type D Survival Knife to your collection! This original Vietnam War era Type D Survival Knife has not been cleaned or tampered with in any way, it is in 100% original “as is” condition. These are the actual photos. I have a few vintage Sheffield-made knives, as well as WW2 era British 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. USPS PRIORITY MAIL SHIPPING WITHIN THE U.S. WILL BE $19.95 FOR THIS ITEM International shipping for this item will be $93 and up to most countries on our “ship-to” list.