WWI US Naval Chief's Knives

Ian · Today, 01:45 AM

I'm not sure whether this topic is better placed here or in the Miscellaneous Forum. Since it is WWI era, and that is usually the cut off for items here, I've put it here.

This lot finished today. Here is the auctioneer's description: "Lot of 2 WW I American US Navy Battleship Chief's Long & Short Knives. Knife 1 Total length: 32 1/2", Blade length: 27 3/4", Knife 2 Total length: 14", Blade length: 9 1/2"." I was not the successful bidder, but thought they looked odd and worth a small bid.

These both look like something made in a large ship's machine shop. I'm wondering if anyone has seen similar items attributed to a Naval Chief. I assume "Chief" refers to Chief Petty Officer. Thoughts about what these may have been used for are very welcome.
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CutlassCollector · Today, 12:54 PM

Hard to imagine what these would be used for and they look more like tools rather than weapons.
A large warship even in WW1 would have been equipped with its own cutlasses, and other small arms including rifles and bayonets.

Large ships with hundreds of crew members would have frozen meat storage facilities so I'm thinking these are butcher's knives for cutting up carcasses and large cuts of meat. Chef not chief perhaps?

Ian · Today, 02:19 PM

Hi CC. The idea of cooking knives occurred to me also. The USN does not have "chefs," but cooks for sure.

The hilts are similar on these two and and a bit unusual.

Today, 01:45 AM	#1
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,206	WWI US Naval Chief's Knives I'm not sure whether this topic is better placed here or in the Miscellaneous Forum. Since it is WWI era, and that is usually the cut off for items here, I've put it here. This lot finished today. Here is the auctioneer's description: "Lot of 2 WW I American US Navy Battleship Chief's Long & Short Knives. Knife 1 Total length: 32 1/2", Blade length: 27 3/4", Knife 2 Total length: 14", Blade length: 9 1/2"." I was not the successful bidder, but thought they looked odd and worth a small bid. These both look like something made in a large ship's machine shop. I'm wondering if anyone has seen similar items attributed to a Naval Chief. I assume "Chief" refers to Chief Petty Officer. Thoughts about what these may have been used for are very welcome. . Attached Images

Today, 12:54 PM	#2
CutlassCollector Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Scotland Posts: 331	Hard to imagine what these would be used for and they look more like tools rather than weapons. A large warship even in WW1 would have been equipped with its own cutlasses, and other small arms including rifles and bayonets. Large ships with hundreds of crew members would have frozen meat storage facilities so I'm thinking these are butcher's knives for cutting up carcasses and large cuts of meat. Chef not chief perhaps?

Today, 02:19 PM	#3
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,206	Hi CC. The idea of cooking knives occurred to me also. The USN does not have "chefs," but cooks for sure. The hilts are similar on these two and and a bit unusual.