{"product_id":"original-imperial-german-wwi-carl-eickhorn-solingen-fighting-trench-knife-with-double-squirrel-trademark-and-steel-scabbard","title":"Original Imperial German WWI Carl Eickhorn Solingen Fighting Trench Knife with Double Squirrel Trademark and Steel Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is an original Imperial German WWI fighting knife, or \u003ci\u003eGrabendolch\u003c\/i\u003e, manufactured by \u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCarl Eickhorn of Solingen, Germany\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e. The knife has a sturdy, single-edged steel blade with a pronounced central ridge extending toward its spear-shaped point. The hilt features a distinctive hooked metal pommel, two black diamond-checkered grip scales secured by rivets, and a steel crossguard with a curved lower quillon. It is accompanied by its original-style steel scabbard with leather belt suspension and retaining straps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOf particular interest is the \u003cb\u003eCarl Eickhorn double-squirrel trademark\u003c\/b\u003e stamped near the base of the blade. The marking consists of two squirrels facing away from one another, with the initials C.E. beneath them. This early manufacturer’s emblem was used during the Imperial German period, including WWI, and is an important identifying feature of the knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe knife remains in good overall condition considering its age and evident use. The blade retains its full profile and recognizable manufacturer’s marking, although scattered oxidation, surface spotting, and sharpening wear are present. The checkered grip scales remain intact, while the metal fittings show age-related discoloration and oxidation. The steel scabbard has extensive surface corrosion and considerable loss of its dark finish. Its leather suspension assembly is heavily worn, with cracking, deterioration, and a torn attachment section.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverall Knife Length: 11\" [27.9 cm]\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBlade Length: 6\" [15.2 cm]\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eScabbard Length: 6 ¼\" [15.9 cm]\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHistorical Context\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe German \u003ci\u003eGrabendolch\u003c\/i\u003e, or trench dagger, developed during the First World War in response to the demands of close-quarters fighting. By late 1914, the Western Front had become an extensive network of trenches, dugouts, and fortified positions, where soldiers frequently encountered combat at extremely short distances. The standard German infantry rifle, particularly when fitted with its bayonet, was cumbersome inside narrow trenches and confined shelters. Short fighting knives consequently became increasingly important for patrols, trench raids, and assaults on enemy positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the early stages of the conflict, German soldiers often obtained fighting knives privately or adapted existing hunting and utility knives for military use. The demand eventually prompted official procurement. On May 8, 1915, the Prussian War Ministry authorized the initial distribution of six \u003ci\u003edolchartige Messer\u003c\/i\u003e, literally \"dagger-like knives,\" per infantry company on the Western Front. The authorized allowance subsequently increased, reaching 40 knives per company in March 1917. These weapons were supplied to infantry formations and specialized troops, including pioneers, mining units, and trench-mortar personnel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGerman military authorities did not establish a single universal manufacturing pattern for these fighting knives. Contracts were distributed among established cutlery manufacturers, resulting in numerous blade shapes, hilt configurations, and scabbard designs. Some knives were military-procured weapons, while others continued to be purchased privately by servicemen. Their relatively compact dimensions and pointed blades made them particularly suited to the close fighting encountered in fortified positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCarl Eickhorn of Solingen\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e was among Germany's established edged-weapons manufacturers during this period. Founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn (1833-1889), the company developed from the Solingen cutlery industry into a substantial producer of military swords, sabers, bayonets, and other edged weapons. By the late nineteenth century, Eickhorn had established an international business supplying military and commercial customers, with products distributed throughout Europe and overseas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe company's squirrel emblem became its principal trademark, drawing upon the German word \u003ci\u003eEichhörnchen\u003c\/i\u003e, meaning squirrel, and its resemblance to the Eickhorn family name. During the Imperial period, the company employed several versions of this emblem. The double-squirrel trademark with the initials C.E., found on this knife, was registered in the early twentieth century and remained in use during the First World War. Following the conflict, the firm continued manufacturing edged weapons and subsequently adopted additional variations of its familiar squirrel trademark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe appearance and construction of German fighting knives reflected the practical requirements of trench warfare. Short blades were well suited to confined spaces, while pointed profiles were intended primarily for thrusting. Steel crossguards provided protection for the hand, and textured grips improved control during use. Many knives were furnished with metal scabbards and leather belt fittings, allowing them to be carried independently of the soldier's rifle bayonet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe growing importance of these weapons was particularly evident in the development of German assault detachments, known as \u003ci\u003eStoßtruppen\u003c\/i\u003e or \u003ci\u003eSturmtruppen\u003c\/i\u003e. These specialized formations became an increasingly important part of German infantry tactics as the war progressed. Their personnel received training in the rapid penetration of enemy defensive positions, using hand grenades, pistols, light machine guns, and other weapons appropriate for close-range engagements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first German assault detachments emerged in 1915, with the formation commanded by Captain Willy Rohr playing a major role in developing new assault methods. Rohr's unit helped establish techniques based on small, coordinated groups employing concentrated firepower and rapid movement through defended positions. These methods gradually spread through the German Army and became especially prominent during the major offensives of 1917 and 1918.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFighting knives formed part of the equipment used by assault personnel, particularly during nighttime operations and attacks in which the use of firearms might compromise surprise. They also became increasingly widespread among ordinary infantrymen as official allowances expanded. Although designed principally for close combat, the knives could also perform practical cutting tasks during field service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the final years of the war, the \u003ci\u003eGrabendolch\u003c\/i\u003e had become an established part of German infantry equipment. Its development was closely tied to the conditions of industrialized trench warfare, which created a renewed military requirement for compact hand weapons alongside rifles, machine guns, artillery, and grenades.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46061382238277,"sku":"ONSV22GPD33","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/470F5257-47CD-4205-88AF-E5051E9E5729.jpg?v=1792440593","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-imperial-german-wwi-carl-eickhorn-solingen-fighting-trench-knife-with-double-squirrel-trademark-and-steel-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}