Item:
ONSV22MAX74

Original Imperial German WWI Trench Fighting Knife by Gottlieb Hammesfahr & Co. with Scabbard

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of an original trench fighting knife with scabbard, as used by the Germans in WWI. The design features a full tang with an all wood ribbed hilt secured by two pins. The knife has a single edged dagger blade of 6 inches, with an unsharpened drop-point false edge on the top of the blade. Overall length is 10 7/8 inches, and the blade ricasso has a clear maker's mark:
 
GOTTLIEB
HAMMESFAHR
SOLINGEN, FOCHE
 
Founded in 1804 and registered with the Solingen chamber of commerce in 1875, this company is one of the largest and longest-established edged weapon producers in Solingen. While this company was known primarily as a drop forge, it also made knives and tools during the WWI period, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. The reverse ricasso has a proof mark from one of the Kingdoms / States of Imperial Germany.
 
The knife is in very good, used condition, with a lovely look that is only attained from real field use. The blade has some very light staining, and definitely has been cleaned and polished during its service life. The only other example we had from this maker was identical, but the blade was 1/4 inch shorter from use, so this is definitely a prime example.
 
The blade shows very little sharpening, and still has part of the factory blunt edge near the tip. There is even still the leather blade washer next to the crossguard, though it is definitely worn. The ribbed wooden handle scales show wear and staining, but no cracks or other major damage, and have a lovely dark brown red color.
 
The knife comes in a genuine rolled steel World War One scabbard with leather belt loop and strap with a snap closure. There are no signs of major damage or repair, and the black finish is retained a little and the leather has a lot of cracking present. The leather belt loop is supple, with a functional snap.
 
100% original, a lovely lightly used example, ready to display in any quality German edged weapons collection.
 
Specifications:
Blade Length: 6"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Drop Point False Edge
Overall length: 10 7/8“
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard Length: 6 3/8" + Belt Loop
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