Germany, Imperial. A First World War Trench/Fighting Knife

(Erster Weltkrieg Grabendolch/Kampfmesser). A well-preserved First World War trench/fighting knife, measuring 27.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 14.5 cm-long magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. The blade sits securely within a magnetic metal core and features a crossguard with a hooked quillon. The handle grip consists of two pieces of dark lacquered wood with ribbing carved into the centre of each side. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse is the remnant of a pressed black leather strap which formerly connected to a belt hanger. The former’s strap is included and features an array of eyelets meeting a functional magnetic metal buckle. Issues consistent with age and extensive wartime field use are evident, and include some blunting to the blade’s tip with moderate oxidation, loss of scabbard paint, and fatigue to the remnants of the leather hanger. The knife remains in an overall very fine condition.