Original German WWI Trench Fighting Knife by ERN with Ribbed Grips and Belt Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used example of an original trench fighting knife (kampfmesser) as used by the Germans in WWI. Based on the amount of wear, it is very likely it saw service long after WWI. The design features a full tang with an all wood ribbed hilt secured by two pins. The knife has a single edged spear point blade of 5 1/4″, with a false edge on the top, and measures 10 1/4″ in overall length.

The blade shows some sharpening, which has possibly shortened as well as narrowed the blade. It still has the correct shape, and is currently very sharp. The blade is still faintly marked on both sides. One side is marked with a German proof mark and the maker name:

ERN
WALD, RHEINL.

The other side is marked very faintly with RASIERMESSER FABRIK, or “Razor Factory.”. This is a known maker of German WWI Trench knives. The proof mark confirms that this was a WWI issued knife, but after that, it is up to the imagination regarding what it has done since. There are no export markings on the knife that we can find. There is a “GERMANY” stamping on the ricasso as well, this was done during the exportation process.

The original scabbard is in very good condition, with a black enamel finish on the metal shell, which still shows the rolled steel texture underneath. The leather belt loop is still present with the securing strap but there is cracking in the finish.

A very nice example for display in any quality German edged weapons collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 1/4″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Spear Point False Edge
Overall length: 10 1/4“
Crossguard: 1 7/8”
Scabbard Length: 7