Original German WWI Private Purchase Dress Trench Fighting Knife with Scabbard

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting private purchase trench knife “bayonet”, the design of which very closely follows that of the Kurzes Seitengewehr M1898/05 Dress Bayonet, with the checkered bakelite grips & bird’s head pommel. However, this example was never a bayonet, and the “button” is entirely stationary, without a piece that comes out on the other side, and without a recess for the bayonet lug to slide into.

This example has a very nice set of original checkered bakelite grips, held in place by two steel rivets. The bird's head pommel is in good shape, with a lovely oxidized patina, and the “bayonet lock” as mentioned is entirely decorative and not functional.

There are no markings to the blade, which does appear to have been shortened. The leather blade buffer is retained, however.

The knife comes in a genuine rolled steel World War One scabbard with leather belt loop and strap with a snap closure. There is heavy oxidation across the sheath and wear to the leather. The snap is still functional, but the strap no longer fits over the grip, so it cannot be closed.

This is a very interesting example of a private purchase trench knife. Comes ready for further use and display.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 5 1/2”
Overall length: 10”
Scabbard length: 6 3/8" + belt loop