United Kingdom. A Rare Chindits V-44 Survival Knife & Unit Patch

A rare and well-preserved Long Range Penetration Groups (Chindits) V-44 survival knife, measuring 390 mm in total length when inserted into the sheath. It features a 235 mm-long tapering magnetic steel blade retaining a razor-sharp sharpened tip and lower edge. Two narrow fullers run the length of both sides of the upper edge. The blade sits securely within a non-magnetic metal alloy crossguard. The handle grip is composed of a single piece of ribbed and lacquered dark brown wood featuring a hooked pommel for a secure grip. It is accompanied by its period original sheath, constructed of a multi-piece pressed dark brown leather shaft. An owner’s name of “SYDE” has been stamped into one side of the scabbard, along with a number of “3999”. Additional initials which appear to read “OBI” have been scratched into the opposite side near the throat. Otherwise unmarked, this rare knife demonstrates minor, age-appropriate tarnish and fatigue of the metal and leather features, respectively. It is notably accompanied by a Chindits unit patch, constructed of a dark blue cotton backer bearing a machine-embroidered Chinthe (lion and dragon hybrid) flanked by a pagoda. Unmarked, the patch measures 70 mm in diameter. Demonstrating minor material fatigue and soiling consistent with field use, it is in a near extremely fine condition.