Germany, Imperial. A Trench Knife for Close Combat, by Robert Herder

 Kampfmesser sogenannt Grabendolch). An owner-customized trench knife, measuring 27 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 edges and tip. The reverse of the blade bears a maker’s mark of “ROBERT HEDER”, for the Solingen-based blade manufacturer, flanked by the firm’s windmill logo. The blade transitions into a tang which sits firmly within a two-piece lacquered dark brown wood handle with a ribbed grip. Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A functional catch within the throat firmly holds the knife in place during storage. Issues consistent with field use and owner customization are evidence, and include pitting and tarnishing to the blade, deliberate removal of the crossguard, loss of scabbard paint resulting in surface oxidation, and the loss of the scabbard leather hanger with two rivet holes visible. This battle-tested combat knife remains in a very fine condition.