Hi there, I’ve found an interesting knife - an Italian Fighting Knife. Only thing is - it has an SAS badge and some initials carved into the handle. I’ve done a bit of research and, although it looks like the initials are CN, it’s possible it could be CH. There was a Charlie Hackney who served in the SAS and was definitely in Italy at the right time. The find was also where I found a Parabike with a twin seat tube. Clearly a man who had an interest in rare WW2 items. What do you guys think?
I think someone in the SAS would not carve their initials into a knife handle, but thats just me Got a picture of the Parabike? TD
I don't think it's SAS - aside from the style of the wings, and the lack of a scroll, the 'dagger' is the wrong way up. The short sword could be a gladius and an Italian device on an Italian knife would be much more likely.
Maybe I was getting carried away thinking an SAS soldier had prised it from his belt after a one on one combat!
Also fits quite well with an Italian combat knife: Italian Para helmet stecil paracadutisti Nembo ANR RSI Stencil elmetto M33 paracadutisti Nembo ANR Repubblica Sociale Italiana
Thinking about this a little and my personal conclusions are: SAS would not wear or have insignia showing they were SAS - if captured that could mean automatic execution, whereas without they could claim they were lost or some other story Why would you need a bicycle in Italy presumably in the mountains, it would be difficult to use, difficult to hide and you would stick out like a sore thumb Thats my guess for what its worth TD
The initial CN could also stand for Camice Nere (Blackshirts). here is an emblem from this paramilitary unit with a similar motif