Original German WWI Trench Fighting Knife by DEMAG with WWII USGI Decorated Leather Belt Sheath Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is very interesting WWII USGI Captured example of an original trench fighting knife, as used by the Germans in WWI. This knife has definitely had an extensive service life, as during WWII trench knives from WWI were put back into service, since the design had changed little over the years. The knife was taken by a USGI, placed into a custom made leather sheath, and then probably saw service on the Allied side. During this time the USGI attached items to the sheath, making it a really interesting piece!

The knife design features a full tang with an all wood ribbed hilt secured by two pins. It has a single edged drop point knife of 4 1/4″, with a false edge on the top, however it has definitely been shortened by at least 1 1/2″ due to use and sharpening. It is faintly marked DEMAG / DUISBURG in a circle in front of the steel cross guard on the blade ricasso, and the reverse side is marked with a proof mark from one of the States of the German Empire. This knife was originally produced by Deutsche Maschinefabrik A-G (DEMAG) of Duisburg as a private purchase item.

The condition of the blade is good, with the expected wear from service and age. It has seen extensive use, and actually has had the edge ground blunt on the entire knife, possibly to make it more effective as a thrusting weapon. It still has the original “S” shaped cross guard, though it is has been bent mostly straight. Of note is that the crossguard used is the same used on the DEMAG “crank handle” bayonets

The handle is a bit worse for wear, with the grip scales loose on both sides, and some cracks around the retaining rivets. There is also some wear at the bottom of the grip, and it just has a lovely used look.

The included leather sheath looks to have been custom made in the field from another leather sheath type item, and was totally reworked. It has a belt loop and securing strap, which are both intact and functional. It also has an aluminum NSDAP Civic Police eagle attached to the front, along with two event tinnies, and some type of data tag. Definiitely some interesting research potential!

A lovely service used WWI Trench knife, captured and modified by a USGI, complete with an original decorated custom scabbard. This would make a great addition to any WWII knife collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 4 1/4″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Drop Point False Edge
Overall length: 9 1/4“
Crossguard: 2 5/8”
Scabbard Length: 7″ with Belt Loop