Original German WWII Bakelite Handle Trench Fighting Knife by PUMA-Werk with Boot Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fantastic example of the rare German WWII Bakelite Handled Trench Knife with scabbard. It is made in typical World War II “trench knife” style, with a 5 3/4 inch 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 and the blade is stamped on the ricasso. There are no maker’s marks on the knife whatsoever, so we cannot discern who made it, but likely the firm Puma of Solingen.

Known as the “City of Blades”, Solingen is a city in western Germany with a blade-making history going back centuries. Lauterjung & Sohn, Puma-werk (PumaWorks) is a known producer of SS, SA, and NSKK daggers during the Pre-WWII period and after, and made a full line of private purchase items during WWII. The company was originally founded on a small scale in 1796, and later Nathanael Lauterjung officially opened a cutlery and knife making workshop in Solingen during 1855. After his death, the name was changed and registered as “Puma-Werk”, to avoid confusion with the other Lauterjung-owned workshops in Solingen. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The metal scabbard is black enameled which is sadly missing its rear spring clip’ both in excellent condition, especially considering the age. There is a bit of crazing and checking, but only a few small areas of finish loss.

The knife itself is also in excellent condition, with very little wear to the blade. There is some sharpening evident near the edge, however the body still retains nearly all of the factory final grind crossgrain. There is a bit of light staining, but no major oxidation, and the upper false edge has not been sharpened. The original blade buffer washer is still present, showing only light wear, and the bakelite grip scales are just wonderful.

A great example of a Bakelite-Handle PUMA Fighting knife from WWII, complete with scabbard and ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 3/4″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Drop Point
Overall length: 10“
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 6 1/8 with Belt / Boot Clip on rear

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.