Germany, Wehrmacht. A Rare Utility Tool Trench Knife

(Werkzeugmesser). A rare and very well-preserved Werkzeugmesser (utility tool trench knife), measuring 15.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 15.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains some factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. The reverse ricasso is stamped with a mark of “S”. It sits within a multi-piece hilt featuring a magnetic metal crossguard and dark dark brown wood handle grips. Concealed within the hilt are multiple fold-out tools, including a corkscrew, can opener with integrated blade, awl tool, and flathead screwdriver. Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A spring clip of identical construction is riveted to the reverse of the throat, which also retains a functional catch to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, surface oxidation throughout the metal fixtures, some fine scratching to the handle grips, and moderate loss of paint throughout the scabbard. This scarce example of field gear remains in a near extremely fine condition.