item details
NameKilling knife
ProductionUnknown; circa 1942; New Zealand
Classificationknives
Materialsmetal, wood
DimensionsOverall: 67mm (width), 254mm (length), 17mm (depth)
Registration NumberGH013609
Credit lineGift of Jocelyn Davidson and Fae Andersen, 2010
Overview
This is a 'killing knife' which was used for killing sheep during the Second World War (1939-45) by Land Girl Madge Richardson (later Burrows). Madge was a member of the Women's Land Service, New Zealand.
The blade has thinned out with constant use and sharpening. Madge kept the knife after the war and used it in her kitchen until she died.
Being a Land Girl during the war was a significant period of her life.