Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very nice original WWI Austro-Hungarian fighting knife complete with its rolled steel scabbard and part of the original leather belt suspension strap. The knife retains its distinctive spear point blade, three pin wood grip panels, visible factory grinding marks, and a Z marking on the ricasso. Both the knife and scabbard show honest wear and oxidation consistent with military use and more than a century of storage.

The knife measures 13 inches overall and has an 8 1/4 inch blade. The blade has a full length lower cutting edge and an approximately 3 inch false edge along the upper portion, forming the spear point profile associated with this Austro-Hungarian fighting knife pattern.

The ricasso is engraved with the maker or inspection mark Z. The Z has been attributed by some collectors to Zeitler, but this identification has not been conclusively established.

The blade is in very good condition, showing scattered wear and cleaned oxidation. A substantial amount of the original factory grinding remains visible, providing useful evidence of its original manufacture and finish.

The knife has the characteristic Austro-Hungarian wood grip panels secured to the tang by three metal pins. The wood has developed a rich color with age and retains carved markings on one side, a set of initials, J.E.P..

The knife is accompanied by its original rolled steel scabbard. Two suspension loops are present for the attachment of the leather belt hanger.

The scabbard was originally finished in a green gray paint, most of which has worn away. The exposed steel now shows the wear and oxidation expected from prolonged use and storage.

Part of the original leather belt suspension strap remains attached. These leather components were particularly vulnerable to drying, tearing, and loss, making the survival of even a partial example an important feature of the set.

Fighting knives of this general pattern were issued to Austro-Hungarian troops during WWI for close combat and general field use. Their simple construction, consisting of a spear point blade, pinned wood grips, compact guard, and sheet steel scabbard, allowed them to be produced in quantity while remaining practical for service in trench conditions.

Austro-Hungarian fighting knives are encountered with several different letters and maker or inspection marks. The precise meaning of some of these stamps remains uncertain, and a single letter should not be expanded into a named manufacturer without supporting documentation.

This example retains the principal components associated with the Austro-Hungarian fighting knife pattern, three pin wood grips, Z ricasso maker marking, rolled steel scabbard, and partial leather suspension strap. The visible factory grinding, aged wood, surviving carvings, and worn scabbard finish provide useful evidence of its construction and service life. It would fit well within a collection devoted to Austro-Hungarian equipment, WWI fighting knives, trench warfare, or Central European edged weapons.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 8 ¼”
Blade Style: Single Edged Spear Point Knife with Upper False Edge
Overall length: 13“
Scabbard Length: 9 1/8"