Germany, Imperial. A Fighting Knife, Modified for Close Combat

(1. Weltkrieg Kampfmesser/Grabendolch). An interesting fighting knife, measuring 29 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 12.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which demonstrates extensive wartime shortening and sharpening by the operator to facilitate close combat in the field. It is unmarked with the exception of an acceptance stamp on the reverse ricasso. The blade sits within a crossguard and emanates from a tang with a handle grip composed of two pieces of ribbed brown wood, fastened in place with two magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Riveted to the back is a brown leather strap which is fastened into a loop for belt suspension. A functional catch situated within the throat firmly holds the knife in place during storage. In addition to the cutting down of the blade, the knife demonstrates some chipping to the handle and loss of paint to the scabbard. This battlefield-tested knife remains in a very fine condition.