New Old Stock H.G. Long OSS/SOE Thumb Dagger

New Old Stock H.G. Long OSS/SOE Thumb Dagger, used during WWII in clandestine operation behind enemy lines — the “cloak & dagger” stories are real. Handmade by the original manufacturer: H.G. Long & Co. in Sheffield, England. Featuring a satin finished, sharp doubled-edged high carbon steel dagger blade with grooved thumb grip & leather lanyard. Carried by “Shadow Warriors”, a thumb dagger (only 3.5” long) was easily hidden from detection in special leather sheaths sewn behind the coat lapel or in clothing seams. Unused mint condition, includes the original box. DM to purchase.

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.

The Special Operations Executive (SOE) was a secret British World War II organisation. It was officially formed on July 22nd, 1940 under Minister of Economic Warfare Hugh Dalton, from the amalgamation of three existing secret organisations. Its purpose was to conduct espionage, sabotage and reconnaissance in occupied Europe (and later, also in occupied Southeast Asia) against the Axis powers, and to aid local resistance movements.

Few people were aware of SOE’s existence. Those who were part of it or liaised with it were sometimes referred to as the “Baker Street Irregulars”, after the location of its London headquarters. It was also known as “Churchill’s Secret Army” or the “Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare”.