{"product_id":"original-austro-hungarian-wwi-fighting-knife-with-z-maker-mark-wood-grip-original-steel-scabbard-by-zeitler","title":"Original Austro-Hungarian WWI Fighting Knife with “Z” Maker Mark, Wood Grip \u0026 Original Steel Scabbard by Zeitler","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original \u003cstrong\u003eAustro-Hungarian WWI fighting knife complete with its original rolled steel scabbard\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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 \u003cstrong\u003e13 inches overall\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade measures:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8 1\/4 inches\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eand has a full length lower cutting edge with an approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3 inch upper false edge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003egiving the knife its characteristic spear point profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ricasso is marked with a simple:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eZ\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis marking has been attributed by some collector references to \u003cstrong\u003eZeitler\u003c\/strong\u003e, but that identification does not appear to be conclusively established. For that reason, we would describe the maker attribution as \u003cstrong\u003epossibly Zeitler\u003c\/strong\u003e rather than definite.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade remains in very good service used condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe grip uses the classic Austro-Hungarian construction with two wood grip panels secured by:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ethree pins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wood has developed an attractive aged color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne side also shows period carvings or scratched decoration, adding some individual character to the knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact meaning or authorship of these carvings is unknown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe knife is accompanied by its original \u003cstrong\u003erolled steel WWI scabbard\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard has the characteristic two loops intended to accommodate the original belt attachment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was originally finished in gray paint and remarkably retains approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e90% of that finish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere are scattered areas of scuffing and wear, but the overall preservation is very strong.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustro-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePatterns 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter the collapse of Austria-Hungary in 1918, quantities of former Imperial equipment remained in circulation across central and southern Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExamples of Austro-Hungarian fighting knives were subsequently reused by other forces, including Italian troops, and some remained in service into the WWII era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, there is no specific provenance establishing that this particular knife saw later Italian use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal spear point blade, visible factory grinding, “Z” ricasso mark, three pin wood grip, period carvings, original steel scabbard, and approximately 90% surviving gray paint\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt would make an excellent addition to an \u003cstrong\u003eAustro-Hungarian, Central Powers, trench warfare, WWI fighting knife, or advanced Great War edged weapons collection\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlade Length: 8 ¼”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Spear Point Knife with Upper False Edge\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 13“\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 9 1\/8\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44850477891653,"sku":"ONJR26MAA070","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/B524241B-F72E-404F-86D1-CFDEA3EEEC13.jpg?v=1775514717","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-austro-hungarian-wwi-fighting-knife-with-z-maker-mark-wood-grip-original-steel-scabbard-by-zeitler","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}