Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original Austro-Hungarian WWI fighting knife complete with its original rolled steel scabbard, a distinctive pattern of close combat knife issued during the First World War. These knives are considerably less common on the collector market than comparable German trench knives and are especially desirable when found with their original steel scabbards. This example measures 13 inches overall and retains its 8 1/4 inch spear point blade, pinned wood grip panels, “Z” ricasso marking, and approximately 90% of the original gray scabbard finish.

The blade measures:

8 1/4 inches

and has a full length lower cutting edge with an approximately:

3 inch upper false edge

giving the knife its characteristic spear point profile.

The ricasso is marked with a simple:

Z

This marking has been attributed by some collector references to Zeitler, but that identification does not appear to be conclusively established. For that reason, we would describe the maker attribution as possibly Zeitler rather than definite.

The blade remains in very good service used condition.

There is scattered wear and oxidation, but a substantial amount of the original factory grinding remains visible, which is a particularly appealing feature on an untouched military fighting knife.

The grip uses the classic Austro-Hungarian construction with two wood grip panels secured by:

three pins

The wood has developed an attractive aged color.

One side also shows period carvings or scratched decoration, adding some individual character to the knife.

The exact meaning or authorship of these carvings is unknown.

The knife is accompanied by its original rolled steel WWI scabbard.

The scabbard has the characteristic two loops intended to accommodate the original belt attachment.

It was originally finished in gray paint and remarkably retains approximately:

90% of that finish

The surviving paint is especially noteworthy because these steel scabbards were exposed to constant abrasion during service and are frequently encountered today with considerably greater finish loss.

There are scattered areas of scuffing and wear, but the overall preservation is very strong.

Austro-Hungarian fighting knives were carried by troops of the Dual Monarchy during WWI, when trench warfare and close quarters combat created a demand for compact edged weapons that were easier to handle than full length bayonets.

Patterns of this general type became associated with assault troops and ordinary front line soldiers alike, and they are now regarded as some of the most recognizable Austro-Hungarian edged weapons of the war.

After the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918, quantities of former Imperial equipment remained in circulation across central and southern Europe.

Examples of Austro-Hungarian fighting knives were subsequently reused by other forces, including Italian troops, and some remained in service into the WWII era.

However, there is no specific provenance establishing that this particular knife saw later Italian use.

With its original spear point blade, visible factory grinding, “Z” ricasso mark, three pin wood grip, period carvings, original steel scabbard, and approximately 90% surviving gray paint, this is a particularly appealing and complete Great War fighting knife. The scattered oxidation and scuffing are fully disclosed, but the overall preservation is well above average for the type.

It would make an excellent addition to an Austro-Hungarian, Central Powers, trench warfare, WWI fighting knife, or advanced Great War edged weapons collection.

Specifications:

Blade Length: 8 ¼”
Blade Style: Single Edged Spear Point Knife with Upper False Edge
Overall Length: 13“
Scabbard Length: 9 1/8"