Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding composite fighting knife assembled from components originating with two edged weapons produced by opposing nations. It combines the blade of a German SA service dagger manufactured by Carl Heidelberg of Solingen with an extensively altered handle from a U.S. 1918 Mark I trench knife. The knife is accompanied by a custom made leather scabbard constructed specifically to accommodate its unusual configuration.

The exact circumstances and date of assembly are not documented. Its construction is consistent with the type of individually altered fighting knife commonly described by collectors as theater made, but no provenance accompanies the knife to identify the person who assembled or carried it.

The knife’s heavily-sharpened blade now measures 8⅜”. The ricasso on one side bears a “two wine bottle” trademark logo over CH surrounded by CARL HEIDELBERG / SOLINGEN. Carl Heidelberg, Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelwares Factory) was located in the Gräfrath borough of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in western Germany. They utilized the trademark of two wine or champagne bottles, sometimes marked "Schwarz" and "Weiss", and were a known but rare maker of SA Daggers, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. The Carter Reference is the definitive research book on German Knife and Sword makers.

The other side of the blade bears the acid-etched Alles für Deutschland (Everything for Germany) SA motto quite clearly though there is wear at the middle of the blade.

The hilt of the knife was taken from a 1918 Mark I Trench knife, likely by Au Lion, with the knuckles having been removed and the crossguard cut down. The U.S. 1918 on the grip was likely worn away when the hilt was cut down, so the soldier appears to have reapplied the marking during the period.

The pommel cap was also added when the blade was replaced, the original being discarded. We could not remove the pommel cap, and it has likely been together in this condition since the war. There is scattered oxidation in spots across the blade, mostly near the ricasso. The overall length is 12⅞”.

The custom-built leather sheath has a large hilt pad with a belt loop and leather securing strap now heavily cracked and crazed that fits perfectly around the handle. The snap is present and still functions, but please be mindful of the crazing.

The U.S. 1918 Mark I trench knife was developed during the final year of WWI as a purpose built close combat weapon. Its original configuration incorporated a double edged dagger blade, cast metal handle, individual finger openings, projecting knuckle points, and a pointed pommel. French manufactured examples by Au Lion were among the versions produced for American use.

The German SA service dagger was introduced during the 1930s as an organizational dress dagger. Its double edged blade carried the acid etched Alles für Deutschland motto on one side and the manufacturer’s trademark on the reverse. In this example, the original dagger fittings were discarded and the blade was adapted to the modified American trench knife handle.

The combination of a clearly marked Carl Heidelberg SA dagger blade, substantially altered 1918 Mark I grip, and fitted leather scabbard makes this an unusual study in the reuse of military edged weapon components by soldiers in-theater. The extensive sharpening, oxidation, altered handle, reapplied grip marking, and cracked securing strap document the knife’s present condition and long history of modification. It would be relevant to a collection focused on theater made fighting knives, U.S. trench knives, German WWII edged weapons, or individually fabricated military knives.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 8 3/8"
Blade Style: Double Edged Dagger
Overall length: 12 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 9 1/2” + Belt Loop