Antique Knives

1 vintage U.S. World War 2 Richtig fighting knife.  This fine 7″ Richtig knife would make an important addition to any collection.

This knife was made by a legend in knife-making.  Frank Richtig had a secret steel tempering process that allowed him to slice through railroad spikes and automobile leaf springs.  Frank would demonstrate this at county fairs–after slicing a railroad spike or leaf spring, he would slice through a piece of paper with the same knife.  Frank earned himself a spot in a ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not’ magazine in the 1930’s.  These knives can be used for decades, because of Frank’s superior craftsmanship.

This knife measures 11 7/8″ overall.  The blade itself measures 6 15/16″.  The Richtig fighting knives with this handle configuration, a handle that includes aluminum, were never marked.  Knifemakers were told by the War Department not to use these materials.  He did it anyway–for the War effort, and avoided marking his knives to avoid any kickback from the War Dept.  The pommel has an extended lanyard ring.  The WW2 scabbard is stamped on its front ‘CUSTOM MADE   J BRAND’. 

This knife is ID’d to the soldier that carried it.  The back of the scabbard is marked ‘G.A. LUTZ‘. 

1 U.S. World War 2 Richtig fighting knife with provenance.  This is the Richtig–with attached history–that every collector is looking for.  The soldier that carried this knife was with Patton’s 3rd Army.  The back of the scabbard has the soldier’s name and serial # ‘R.G. RUPP   O-391107‘.  This knife comes with an original map of Germany with field markings on it.  Also attached to this knife are two ‘RESTRICTED’ documents from Sept 1945 that provide instructions for movement of a convoy through Germany.  In addition, and of equal importance, is a letter from the veteran that explains where and how he bought this knife.  The man he speaks of–the blacksmith knife maker–was Frank Richtig.  This knife would make an important addition to any collection.

This knife was made by a legend in knife-making.  Frank Richtig had a secret steel tempering process that allowed him to slice through railroad spikes and automobile leaf springs.  Frank would demonstrate this at county fairs–after slicing a railroad spike or leaf spring, he would slice through a piece of paper with the same knife.  Frank earned himself a spot in a ‘Ripley’s Believe It or Not’ magazine in the 1930’s.  These knives can be used for decades, because of Frank’s superior craftsmanship.

This is a large double-edged 8″ Richtig fighter.  This knife measures 12 15/16″ overall.  The blade itself measures 8 1/16″.  This Richtig fighter is unmarked.  The guard and pommel are brass.  The pommel has an extended lanyard ring.

The scabbard is very fine, and is of an attractive and unique design.  The belt loop is a separate piece, and is attached to the knife scabbard with an Army gear belt clip.  In addition to the R.G. Rupp’s name and serial # on the back, the top of the scabbard is stamped ‘R.G.R.’. 

Many military collectors look for knives, swords, or other military equipment with attached history.  They can then research the soldier’s rank, service record, medals earned, theater(s) of operation, etc.