Germany, Imperial. A Trench Knife for Close Combat, by Gottlieb Hammesfahr

(1. Weltkrieg Kampfmesser bzw. Grabendolch). An extremely well-preserved trench knife for close combat, measuring 29 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 15 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “GOTTLIEB HAMMESFAHR, SOLINGEN-FOCHE”, while the reverse ricasso is stamped with an acceptance mark. The blade sits within a magnetic metal crossguard and tang, with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam of the former. Two pieces of ribbed and blackened wood compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic steel shaft. A leather strap is riveted to the reverse, retains a functional metal snap button to hold the knife in position, and is fashioned into a loop for belt suspension. The knife demonstrates minor issues consistent with age and field use, including some surface oxidation to the blade and scabbard, but this formidable close combat weapon remains in a near extremely fine condition.