Souvenir dagger letter opener

Place Africa: North Africa
Accession Number REL31783
Collection type Heraldry
Object type Heraldry
Physical description Brass, Chrome, Leather
Maker Unknown
Date made post 1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Souvenir brass letter opener made to resemble a fighting dagger with 'knuckle duster' hilt. The letter opener, whose brass blade has been chrome plated, is in a leather sheath. An engraved brass plate which has become detached from the front of the sheath reads; 'COMMANDO DAGGER - LETTER OPENER THIS MINIATURE AND TRUE REPRODUCTION OF THE FAMOUS BRITISH COMMANDO DAGGER IS MADE OF SCRAP BRASS SALVAGED FROM THE BATTLE FIELDS OF NORTH AFRICA. MOTTO: "STRIKE AT DAWN - UPWARDS TO KILL"'.

History / Summary

Miniature souvenir letter opener modelled on the 'Middle East pattern Commando knuckle knife', used by the British Middle East Commandos. The item was apparently produced from brass collected on North African battlefields after the Second World War.