Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used example of the rare German WWII boot knife with clip back steel scabbard. It is made in typical World War II "trench knife" style, originally made with a 5 1/2 inch drop-point dagger blade and an overall length of 9 3/4 inches. Unfortunately the tip of the blade broke off at some point, and it looks to have lost about 1/4" - 3/8" of the blade, which is now rounded at the tip.

The knife has contoured bakelite grip scales, retained with three pins. The hilt has a small oval cross guard and the blade is stamped on the ricasso with the maker's name and location:

Known as the "City of Blades", Solingen is a city in western Germany with a blade-making history going back centuries. Lauterjung & Sohn, Puma-werk (PumaWorks) is a known producer of SS, SA, and NSKK daggers during the Pre-WWII period and after, and made a full line of private purchase items during WWII. "Gusstahl" translates directly to "Cast Steel", and this mark was used on many of their trench knives.

The company was originally founded on a small scale in 1796, and later Nathanael Lauterjung officially opened a cutlery and knife making workshop in Solingen during 1855. After his death, the name was changed and registered as "Puma-Werk", to avoid confusion with the other Lauterjung-owned workshops in Solingen. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The metal scabbard is black enameled with rear spring clip; both in good condition for its age. There is some paint missing, as well as a few dents on the exterior. One of the runners inside is also missing, so the knife is loose in the scabbard. The knife itself is in good service used condition. The blade has some light oxidation and dried grease on it, which we have left in place to preserve the patina. The bakelite grips are in good shape, with wear but no cracks or major damage.

A very nice service used example of a Bakelite-Handle PUMA Fighting knife from WWII, complete with scabbard and ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Drop Point
Overall length: 9 1/2“
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 6 1/8

History of the German WWII Trench Knife:
In hand-to-hand combat, the edge went to the combatant who was better trained and adequately armed. The well trained professional soldier of the Third Reich saw to it that he had the edge by carrying a close combat knife (also referred to as a trench knife, which was the name given to it during the trench warfare of World War I). Close combat knives were a basic issue item and were issued to the individual. The basic issue knife was constructed of a one piece blade and tang, fitted with two wood grips normally riveted in three places for added strength. The blade was double edged, with the second edge running halfway up the top portion of the blade. A short metal guard provided the necessary weight in arriving at a closely balanced knife. The sheath was constructed of seamless drawn steel tubing painted black. A spring clip was normally riveted to the back, allowing the wearer to fit it to his belt, clip it to his boot, or some other place on his uniform which would allow ready access.