Germany, Imperial. A First War Period Trench Knife

(Grabenmesser). A very well-preserved First War period trench knife, measuring 270 mm in length when inserted into the scabbard. The knife features a 140 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened edge and slightly blunted tip. It is set firmly within a magnetic metal crossguard featuring a hooked quillon. The root of the blade forms the inner structure of the handle, with the grip facilitated by two pieces of blackened and ribbed wood, held together by dual magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of blackened magnetic metal. The throat retains a functional spring catch for secure storage of the knife when not in use. Two magnetic metal rivets near the throat originally held in place a blackened leather belt loop which has since been lost. The knife is unmarked. Oxidation is evident to the metal features, while the handle shows some scratching and loss of paint. It is in an overall very fine condition.