Original Imperial German WWI British-Captured Trench Fighting Knife Named to Killed in Action Soldier Thomas Pritchard, Welsh Regiment

Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a very interesting original Imperial German trench fighting knife which appears to have been captured by a British soldier, Thomas Pritchard, who was later killed in action. One of the grips were worn down, with the inscribed text:

T. PRITCHARD
NO. 58617

This name and regimental number identifies the knife to Private Thomas Pritchard, 14th Battalion, Welsh Regiment, who was killed in action on August 23rd, 1918 at the age of 38.

The blade ricasso still retains a clear maker mark for Hugo Köller of Solingen. The reverse ricasso has a proof mark from one of the Kingdoms / States of Imperial Germany.

The knife is in very good, used condition, with a lovely look that is only attained from real field use. The blade has some very light staining, and definitely has been cleaned and polished during its service life.

A very interesting knife that certainly changed hands more than once. The knife comes with several pages of printed research on Pritchard. Comes ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6"
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Drop Point False Edge
Overall length: 10 7/8“
Crossguard: 2”