can you identify this knife?

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steev_in_az
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can you identify this knife?

Post by steev_in_az »

Hello,
I am new here. Could someone please identify the markings on this switchblade which I recently acquired from my grandfathers's estate? From what I have been able to find through the internet, this is a shell-puller, spring knife which was made in Solingen and was most likely a paratrooper knife. I have not been able to identify the maker (G.K.S.) or the foundry marks on the blade. Any help would be appreciated. This knife has been in storage for at least 55 years.
Thanks
steev_in_az
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sammy the blade
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by sammy the blade »

Probably German but someone will come along soon that will know something about it.
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by Bill DeShivs »

German. Probably made by Wilhelm Weltersbach.
NOT a paratrooper knife.
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Jay Blade
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by Jay Blade »

Bill DeShivs wrote:German. Probably made by Wilhelm Weltersbach.
NOT a paratrooper knife.
Is that a Johnny Cade Springer?
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by Bill DeShivs »

It pretty much is.
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JimBrown257
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by JimBrown257 »

It seems like the "Spring Knife" bolsters are a lot more rare than the "Springer" ones.
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Panzerfaust
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by Panzerfaust »

I've never seen one marked Spring knife, which in German is springmesser. I believe "Springer" is an abbreviation of springmesser or a nickname. And yes, your knife is a "Cade Blade," other than his was probably marked "Springer."
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eddymunster
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by eddymunster »

Great looking piece!
Tkreil66
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by Tkreil66 »

What a great example of a well crafted German Shell Puller, my personal favorite. Great score !!
I have a German Bazar Shell Puller with Spring knife on bottom bolster. Impressively restored by Bill
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JimBrown257
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by JimBrown257 »

Panzerfaust wrote:I've never seen one marked Spring knife
I actually thought I had never seen one but then I looked through some JC Knife pics and a few of them do say Spring Knife. Here is one:
viewtopic.php?t=9059
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big_slim
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by big_slim »

"I actually thought I had never seen one but then I looked through some JC Knife pics and a few of them do say Spring Knife. Here is one:"

That one actually says "Springer Konig". I can't remember ever seeing one marked Spring Knife.
steev_in_az
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by steev_in_az »

Hi everyone, thanks for the replies! I had no idea an item like this was so sought after, I've learned a lot from you folks! After doing a little digging, I have found that the tang stamp in the first picture appears to be depicting blacksmith tools, if that helps shed any light. I look forward to eventually solving this mystery! - S
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Bill DeShivs
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by Bill DeShivs »

Most markings on knives are the retailer's marking, rather than the maker.
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JimBrown257
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by JimBrown257 »

big_slim wrote: That one actually says "Springer Konig". I can't remember ever seeing one marked Spring Knife.
You're right; that one doesn't say "Spring Knife". I guess I have never seen that bottom bolster stamp before.
steev_in_az
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Re: can you identify this knife?

Post by steev_in_az »

Here is a knife with "Spring Knife" on the bottom bolster

viewtopic.php?t=23253
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