Germany, Imperial. A Fighting Knife

(Kampfmesser). A well-preserved Heer fighting knife, measuring 27.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 16 cm-long magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. The blade transitions in a hilt with an exposed tang and flattened crossguard, featuring a handle grip consisting of two pieces of brown wood, held together with three magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft with a black leather hanger riveted to the reverse, perforated with two slits for belt attachment. Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include blunting and oxidation of the blade, loss of scabbard finish, and some fatigue to the leather hanger. The knife remains in a very fine condition.