Germany, Imperial. A Rare First World War Staghorn Grip Fighting Knife, by Anton Wingen Jr.

(Kampfmesser bzw. Grabendolch des 1. Weltkrieges mit Hirschhorngriff). An extremely well-preserved First World War fighting knife, measuring 33 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 17 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains original sharpness throughout the edges and tip, and with much of its original crossgrain visible. The obverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “MEIN LEBENSRETTER” (“MY LIFE-SAVER”), which was registered in 1915, while the reverse bears a maker’s mark of “ANTON WINGEN JR., FABRIK FEINER STAHLWAREN, SOLINGEN”. The blade is securely affixed to an elaborate staghorn grip which culminates in a flattened and toned magnetic metal pommel. The knife is accompanied by its original scabbard, which is constructed of a brown leather shaft with a toned magnetic metal fixture riveted to the tip. A brown leather strap is riveted to the reverse and configured into a loop for belt suspension, and wrapped with a period original knot. A fold-over strap features a snap button to firmly hold the knife in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include sporadic tarnishing to the blade, loss of finish to the toned metal fixtures, and fatigue of the leather. This rare example of a series of upgraded fighting knives, used in the field by German personnel for both combat and camp duties, remains in an extremely fine condition.