Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice service used example of a late-war produced Type II "Take down" version of the legendary Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer, or German air force paratrooper knife (FJM or FKm), with RB Nr number 0/0561/0019 on the blade, indicating manufacture by SMF, or Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co.. These knives utilize a four-inch (100 mm) telescoping (OTF), gravity-propelled locking blade. First produced in 1937, the FJM was issued to German flight crews and paratroops, primarily for the purpose of cutting a trapped parachutist from his rigging in case he landed with a tangled parachute, or became entangled in trees with the shroud lines. Though not intended for use as a fighting knife, the FJM's blade could be and was used as a close combat weapon when necessary.

The Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messer uses a sliding blade inside a metal grip frame, which was originally fitted with smooth wood scales, usually of beech or walnut. The blade itself is a relatively blunt spear-point, and the profile is flat ground, tapering to a utility edge. To open the blade, the user points the FJM downwards while flipping up the fulcrum-style operating lever, allowing gravity to draw out the blade to its fullest extent. Releasing the lever locks the blade into position. The FJM may also be opened by flipping the blade release lever while flicking the wrist holding the knife, causing the blade to extend.

The FJM was also equipped with a folding marlinspike or awl. Primarily intended for untangling rope knots, it can also be used as a prying tool. The FJM's spike does not lock when opened and was never intended to be used as a combat weapon, though individual German paratroopers may have employed it as such.

There are three principal types of wartime-era Luftwaffe Fallschirmjäger-Messers. The Type I FKm has wood scales (handle), was made from 1937-1941, and unlike successive models, has no 'takedown' capability. The Type II FKm is the same knife, but with takedown features, and was produced from 1941 to the end of World War II.

This example of the Type II FKm (FJM) is in good condition, and it has a fine carbon steel blade which has been heavily sharpened, with anodized components making up the rest of the knife. The number 390 is stamped on the bottom of the cross guard, but the underside of the latch is marked with 364, which means the knife has had parts switched out. There is also an arrow on the cross guard and interior to indicate the correct orientation when reassembling the knife.

The "take-down" ability allows the cross guard to be removed, and the body/sheath opens with the end ring as a hinge. The blade can then be removed for servicing, and the interior can be cleaned to ensure the blade moves freely. In this example, the take-down ability functions perfectly, and the release and marlinspike springs are intact with no cracks.

This is a fully functional example, and the blade of this knife is in a solid but used condition. The blade has definitely been used sharpened several times since the factory, which has worn it down a bit. The marlinspike is still in good condition with oxidation. The fittings all look to have a bit of oxidation which could be cleaned away. The blade is not perfectly fit in the knife, and sometimes comes out without the latch being pressed. 

The grip plates are of walnut with the standard four retaining rivets on each side. These plates are in fair condition but there is some loss of material below the take down button with a set of initials scratched into the surface of one side. There are many scuffs and nicks in the wood. There are also some stress cracks running from the rivets to the crossguard.  The base of the marlinspike has an additional marking on it, indicating the manufacturer of the knife:

R.B.NR.
0/0561/0019

German RB Numbers, or Reichsbetriebsnummer, also known as the National Business Number, were an alternative to the 3 letter codes in use late in the war. The first number 0 is the prefix for "industry", while 0561 is the location code for Solingen, the largest and best blade producing city in Germany. Contractor 0019 is Solinger Metalwaren-Fabrik Stöcker & Co. GmbH, also known as SMF, who were one of the major producers of this knife during WWII.

The take-down version of the gravity knives are becoming extremely difficult to locate, and this is a nice service used example. Ready to display!

Specifications:-
Blade Length: 4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife
Overall length: 10 1/8“
Crossguard: 1 1/2"