WW2 Civil Defence Uniforms, Insignia, Helmets and Equipment
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WW2 ARP / Civil Defence Penknife / Clasp Knife


Penknives (also called clasp knives) with a blade that folds into the handle and a marlin spike (used to help loosen knots) were manufactured by two companies in 1939. These penknives were purchased privately by members of the CD services. However, a "clasp knife" is listed as part of a large first aid box.

The DCC (Devonport Cutlery Company) and GG&S (George Gill & Sons) marked penknives are both dated 1939 (to date no other year has been seen on the knives). They include an integral loop for attaching the penknife to a lanyard or hanging it from a belt.

These penknives are becoming quite scarce and prices are continuing to increase. Getting a penknife by either maker for under £75 (as of 2024) is getting much harder.
WW2 ARP / Civil Defence Penknife
WW2 ARP / Civil Defence Penknives

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  • Uniforms
    • Bluette Overalls
    • ARP Wrapover Overalls
    • Tunic, Slacks & Skirt
    • ARP Wardens' Coat
    • Battledress & Trousers
    • Greatcoats
    • Gabardine Coat
    • Waterproof Cape
    • Ambulance Uniforms
    • Nursing Uniforms
    • Women’s Voluntary Services Uniforms
    • Hats, Berets & Caps
    • Footwear & Gaiters
    • ARP & CD Buttons
  • Insignia
    • Rank Badges
    • Breast Badges
    • Beret & Cap Badges
    • Area Markings
    • Shoulder Titles / Flashes
    • War Service Chevrons
    • Armbands / Armlets
    • ARP Instructors' Badges
    • Incident Officer
    • Bomb Reconnaissance
    • Wound Stripes
    • ARP Whistle & Lanyards
    • Lapel Badges
    • Medals & Ribbons
    • Civil Defence Reserve
    • Miscellaneous ARP
  • Helmets
    • Helmets of the Home Front
  • Equipment
    • Documentation
    • First Aid
    • Gas Air Raid Warning
    • Hand-Cranked Air Raid Sirens
    • Fire Tackling
    • Anti-Gas Equipment
    • Anti-Gas Training Posters
    • Rescue Equipment
    • Goggles
    • Lamps & Torches
    • Respirators (Gas masks)
    • ARP Penknife
    • ARP Water Bottle
  • Fire Guard
    • Fire Guard History
  • Resources
    • Books
    • Re-enacting
    • Buyers' Guide
    • ARP Memo 17
    • Civil Defence ARP Pattern Numbers
    • Uniform Sizes
    • Original WW2 Photographs
    • Re-enacting Photos
    • Fake & Reproduction ARP Badges
    • Civil Defence Corps Insignia
    • Air Raid Histories
    • Links
  • Contact
    • About
  • Blog
    • Donate