Item: 1944 Ernest Mooney “Warther” Wwii Commando Knife Dagger “In Original Box
Sold For: $10,250.00
Bids: 44
Date: Jul 08, 2012
Auction: Ebay
Description and Image By: walters5730
Up for sale is a rare 1944 Ernest Mooney WARTHER Commando Knife in its original shipping box. The original veteran owner, Ben Bucher purhased this WARTHER in 1944. His name and address are on the wooden box. Until a few days ago, this knife was still in the possession of this veteran’s estate. This knife was purchased at the auction of the Bucker’s estate in New Philadelphia, OH. It was indeed rare to find a WARTHER still in the original veteran’s estate.
The knife is 1 of 1100 made by Warther during WWII. It consist of the less common 8″ blade, most common were 7″.
The blade is excellent condition showing no sharpening or ground marks. The handle also consist an inlay of the veteran’s name on one side and his serial number on the reverse. The sheath is in excellent condition.
The original wooden shipping box is super rare. The knife was mailed to the veteran in 1944 and retains the original postal stamps and marks. Ernest’s niece said that she has only seen two in her lifetime. The fact that Ernest was also a master carver, makes this example a once in a lifetime opportunity.
This knife was purchased at the auction of the soldier’s estate in New Philadelphia, OH a few days ago. New Philadelphia is five minutes from Dover, OH where the knife was made. I did take this example to the Warther Muesum. Ernest’s nephew, niece, and great-grandson all held this knife.
This winner of this rare WARTHER will also get all receipts from the auction and a letter from the veteran’s son.