Knuckle duster, England, 1914-1918

Made:
1914-1918 in England
Knuckle duster with retractable blade, possibly English

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Knuckle duster with retractable blade, possibly English
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Knuckle duster with retractable blade, possibly English, for trench warfare, 1914-1918

Soldiers during the First World War were issued with weapons and guns but many took their own unofficial weapons as well. Worn on the knuckles during man-to-man combat and perhaps carried during night time trench raids, the spiked metal could potentially add severe injuries to the punch being thrown. The retractable blade measures 60 mm.

Details

Category:
Wellcome (general)
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A204778
Materials:
brass and iron
Measurements:
overall: 24 mm x 150 mm x 65 mm, .3kg
type:
knuckle duster