Germany, Imperial. A Combat Knife, by Gottlieb Hammesfahr

(Kampfmesser). A well-preserved Imperial German Army combat knife, measuring 29 cm in total length when inserted into the crossguard. It features a 15.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains period-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “GOTTLIEB HAMMESFAHR, SOLINGEN FOCHE”, while the obverse bears the firm’s monogram logo. The blade is situated within a guard which retains a brown leather buffer pad, while the tans features a ribbed two-piece wooden handle grip, fastened together with dual rivets. Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the reverse of the shaft is a brown leather strap configured into a loop for belt suspension, and with an additional strap retaining a functional metal snap button to keep the handle fixed in position. An additional functional catch within the throat firmly holds the knife in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include some running marks to the blade and fatigue of the leather elements. It remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.