Original Item: Only One Available. The Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was the intelligence agency of the United States during World War II. The OSS was formed as an agency of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) to coordinate espionage activities behind enemy lines for all branches of the United States Armed Forces. Other OSS functions included the use of propaganda, subversion, and post-war planning. This is a tremendous piece of OSS field gear not often seen outside of museums.

The OSS was dissolved a month after the end of the war. Intelligence tasks were shortly later resumed and carried over by its successors the Department of State's Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), and the independent Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

The spring cosh is constructed of two heavy concentric springs enclosed in a tubular steel handle with a sewn leather grip and a ring at the skull crusher pommel for the carrying rope. At the end of the smaller spring is a heavy metal knob which is the main striking element. When closed the cosh is 7½” in length with a length of 16 ½” when extended. We are unsure if the rope is original to the cosh or was added, but it appears period.

The spring cosh is used just like any other club, but this one is designed for easy concealment. The cosh is essentially a plain clothes weapon for a specific, clandestine type mission, as it contains the advantage of surprise.

Normally the spring cosh is carried concealed up the sleeve of the operator and held so that the head lies in the center of the palm of the dominant hand. The condition is very good and does not show much signs of use. Comes more than ready for further research and display!