Boker Plus V-42 Devil's Brigade 2.1

'Formed in July 1942 as the 1st Special Service Force, the Devil’s Brigade brought together American and Canadian soldiers into a unit specially trained to operate behind enemy lines. Many post‑World War II special units trace their origins to this force. Their numerous nighttime operations, during which faces were camouflaged with black paint, led German troops—perhaps for the first time—to nickname them the “Black Devils,” a testament to the enemy’s respect for this relatively small formation. The 1st SSF carried out numerous successful missions in Italy and France between 1943 and 1944 and played decisive roles in several key situations during the war.\n\nA signature piece of equipment for the Devil’s Brigade was the specially designed V‑42 combat knife, integral to their intensive close‑quarters training. Its handle, made of stacked pressed‑leather discs, ends in a tapered striking pommel. A thin leather pad beneath the slightly curved parrying element helped prevent injuries during thrusts. The coated, non‑stainless 1095 carbon steel blade is double‑edged and features a grooved thumb ramp in the ricasso area. This legendary dagger still bears the emblem of the U.S. Army Special Forces.\n\nThis collector’s ensemble includes the classic deep‑fitting leather sheath, a replica of the unit’s red spearhead textile insignia, and a reproduction of the original German‑language sticker reading “Das dicke Ende kommt noch!” (The big end is yet to come!), along with the 1st SSF insignia—stickers that were placed on walls, cars, doors, and other surfaces behind enemy lines at night to demoralize opposition. A military‑historical set worth collecting.'