Unique WW2 Special Operations Executive Style Concealed Belt Knife used by Corporal John Cooper

Here on offer is an unusual and specially made WW2 Special Operations Executive (SOE) style concealed belt knife.

It was made for a special forces soldier, Corporal John Cooper to use while on operations.

It has been designed so that it fits snuggly into a long leather sheath that has extended straps at each end. This could then be concealed against the inside a standard Karki army belt and then can sit comfortably against the curve of your back.

The idea was if you were caught during operations and frisked down, it wouldn’t be found.

The whole knife is slightly curved in shape so it fits comfortably against your back.

It has a 5.5” double edged steel blade that seems to hold a good cutting edge and retains a slightly blued finish.

The grip it made up of two thin slabs of red Bakelite that are held securely in place against the blade tang, by two steel rivets. The inner grip slab has been engraved with his initials “JC” and there is a section on crosshatching near the blade.

The strong stitched brown leather “sheath” has been hand engraved with his initials “JC” and what look to be a Scottish thistle, Welsh daffodil and Irish four leaf clover.

The story I was told about this knife, is that Corporal John Cooper was taken “prisoner of war” sometime after D-Day and interned in Germany. The knife wasn’t found and he managed to keep it concealed during his internment and it was brought home with him after his release.

A very unusual and unique piece that is in excellent condition and warrants further research.

The doubled edged blade measures 5.5” (14cm) long and the whole knife measures 9” (22.8cm). The leather belt scabbard measures 20.5” (52cm) long.

With knife with the sheath weighs 235g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 52012