Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. Fitted with a single-edged spear point blade, this is an original German WWII Nahkampfmesser close fighting knife, with a great belt scabbard. This basic design was used by Imperial German in WWI, and was popular during WWII as well. Many WWI knives were even reissued for WWII, however this definitely is a WWII production example.
In very good lightly used condition, this knife has a smooth wooden grip secured by three rivets. Grip scales are in very good condition, with no cracks or major chips, and a nice color. The blade is full length on the bottom of the blade, while the top has a false edge. The blade has been used quite a bit, and sharpened multiple times, changing the blade profile somewhat. It has also reduced the overall blade length by about 1/2". There is however still some of the original factory crossgrain on the ricasso and flat of the blade rear of the "false edge". Overall length is now 10 1/8 inches with a 5 3/8 inch blade.
The ricasso is marked with the "Left Facing Tiger" trademark of the Lauterjung & Co. firm, and the reverse side is marked with:
TIGER
SOLINGEN
Lauterjung & Co., Tiger Stahlwaren- und Waffenfabrik is a famous manufacturer in Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Their trademark was a Tiger, and their factory was thus often referred to as Tigerwerk (Tiger Works). The firm was founded in 1873 to make knives, scissors, and other steel ware, and survived until after the war. There were several different branches of the Lauterjung family involved in edged weapons, operating under different trade names to avoid confusion. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.
The knife comes in a genuine rolled steel WWII scabbard with a leather belt loop on the back, which would allow attachment to a belt.
The finish on the scabbard is good, with just a bit of crazing and wear, without any dents. Nearly all of the paint is present on the scabbard though may be a repaint.
Great identifiable markings and 100% original, a very example for display in any quality German edged weapons collection.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 ⅜”
Blade Style: Single Edged Spear Point Knife with Upper False Edge
Overall length: 10 ⅛”
Crossguard: 1 ⅛”
Scabbard Length: 6 ¼” with Boot Loop
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle