WW2 SOE Operatives Fountain Pen with concealed Cruciform Dagger and Compass

A fabulous rare original WW2 SOE issued ' Dagger ' Fountain Pen and compass.
The pen exterior is a standard 1940’s period fountain pen in brown bakelite. The lid unscrews to reveal a deadly short cruciform dagger in the lid.
This Dagger pen also has a compass, the lid clasp slides off, and the clasp which is magnetised is balanced on the blade, and points to north. See video. 
This pen dagger has the very rare cruciform blade.
As issued by the SOE to Agents and Operatives during the war for use behind enemy lines.

A fabulous piece of WW2 Spy kit.

Setting Europe Ablaze.

In June 1940, a new volunteer force - the Special Operations Executive (SOE) - was set up to wage a secret war. Its agents were mainly tasked with sabotage and subversion behind enemy lines. They had an influential supporter in Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who famously ordered them to 'set Europe ablaze!'

SOE's director of operations was Commando officer Brigadier Colin Gubbins whose interest in irregular warfare originated from his service during the Irish War of Independence (1919-21). Gubbins had also been involved in planning to establish a sabotage force to work behind the lines during any German invasion of Britain.

Gubbins’s approach to warfare included blowing up trains, bridges and factories, as well as fostering revolt and guerrilla warfare in enemy-occupied countries.

After completing a gruelling training regime, SOE agents were parachuted into occupied Europe and the Far East to work with resistance movements. Many were serving soldiers, often with Commando training, but others joined directly from civilian life.

Women also joined up. Some were enlisted in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY) to disguise their secret work. These were the only women permitted a combat role during the Second World War.

You must be over 18 years of age to purchase this item and a copy of your proof of age (Passport, Driving licence etc) must be emailed to vigomilitaria@gmail.com before we can ship the item.