Original German WWI Private Purchase Trench Fighting Knife with Ribbed Grips & Original Rolled Steel Scabbard by Union Zella St. Blasii

Original Item: Only One Available. Fitted with a double-edged blade this is an original fighting knife used by the Germans in WW1 and then again in WW2. In nice used condition, this knife has an all-wood grip with hatching secured by two pins. The blade is double-edged, a bit different from its single-edged counterparts. This example is of a unique private-purchase design, manufactured by Union Zella St. Blasii. The knife comes in an original rolled steel World War One scabbard with a very fragile leather belt loop which is missing the securing strap and snap.

The grip of the knife is in fair shape but has some material loss toward the pommel on both sides as shown. The blade is in fair shape without any damage to the edge as shown, but not very much oxidation besides at the tip. The ricasso of the blade is marked:

UNION
Zella St. Bl.

This indicates manufacture by Union of Zella St. Blasii. In 1919, the town of Zella St. Blasii and the municipality of Mehlis merged and formed the town of Zella-Mehlis. Edged (and later other) weapons have been manufactured there for centuries.

The scabbard retains the belt loop but the securing strap and snap are gone. The strap is still in fair shape and the sheath has a nice patina.

This is a classic example for display in any quality German edged weapons collection of the Great War. This is the first example of this style we’ve offered, so don’t miss out. We have seen period photographs of soldiers wearing this style.

Approximate Specifications:
Blade Length: 5 5/8”
Blade Style: Double Edged Knife
Overall length: 10 1/8“
Crossguard: 2 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 6 1/4" + Belt Loop