Original German WWII Bakelite Handle Trench Fighting Knife with Belt Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of the rare German WWII boot knife with clip back steel scabbard. It is made in typical World War II “trench knife” style, with a 5 3/4″ drop-point dagger blade and an overall length of 10 inches. The knife has contoured red bakelite grip scales, retained with three pins. The hilt has a small oval cross guard, though the ricasso is unmarked, which is typical for these low cost trench knives.

The scabbard is blued steel with a leather belt loop and securing strap, and is in very good condition. It has no dents we can see, and the securing strap is still functional.

The knife itself is in excellent used condition. There is a bit of light staining and some peppering, but overall the original factory grind marks are well retained, and the edge doesn’t have any nicks or damage. This really is a great example of this type of knife. The bakelite handle shows some small scratches, as well as some scratched in initials, probably from the soldier that brought it back from WWII.

Ready to display!

History of the German WWII Trench Knife:
In hand-to-hand combat, the edge went to the combatant who was better trained and adequately armed. The well trained professional soldier of the Third Reich saw to it that he had the edge by carrying a close combat knife (also referred to as a trench knife, which was the name given to it during the trench warfare of World War I). Close combat knives were a basic issue item and were issued to the individual. The basic issue knife was constructed of a one piece blade and tang, fitted with two wood grips normally riveted in three places for added strength. The blade was double edged, with the second edge running halfway up the top portion of the blade. A short metal guard provided the necessary weight in arriving at a closely balanced knife. The sheath was constructed of seamless drawn steel tubing painted black. A spring clip was normally riveted to the back, allowing the wearer to fit it to his belt, clip it to his boot, or some other place on his uniform which would allow ready access.