Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service worn example of an original trench fighting knife (kampfmesser) with scabbard, as used by the Germans in WWI. Based on the amount of wear and the replica scabbard, it is very likely it saw service long after WWI, possibly into WWII. 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 significant sharpening, which has most likely shortened as well as narrowed the blade. It also looks like the crossguard was broken off or removed at some point, and replaced with another. 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. The knife comes in a replica scabbard, which is made of zinc, aluminum, or some other non-magnetic metal. It is quite heavy for its size, and does protect the blade well.
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: 6″