Germany, Luftwaffe. A Close Combat Boot Knife

(Luftwaffe Stiefelmesser für Nahkampf). An extremely well-preserved Luftwaffe close combat boot knife, measuring 295 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 170 mm-long fullered magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and edges. The blade sits securely within a straight magnetic metal crossguard, forming a one-piece hilt. The handle grip consists of two strips of lacquered light brown wood, fastened together with three magnetic metal rivets. It is plain with the exception of an unidentified stamped mark near the reverse ricasso of the blade. The knife is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. The throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the knife in place during storage, and is held together by a single side rivet. Emanating from the throat is a downward-pointing spring clip for attachment to a service boot. The knife displays virtually no wear or damage, and is in a near mint condition.