BACKGROUND: Each Division in the German army, and the Waffen-SS, had an organic Pionier, (Combat Engineer), battalion that consisted of personnel specially trained in destroying enemy obstacles, creating forward defensive positions, bridging and assault tactics. As the spearhead troops the Engineer’s were issued with assorted specialized equipment including assault packs, explosive tool kits, demolition charges, pick axes, saws, long handle shovels and wire cutters. The Engineer’s were issued two models of wire cutters enabling personnel to cut through barbwire entanglements. The wire cutters came in both a short and a long model and both were issue with a carrying case that was to be worn on the load carrying waist belt. Of Note: As the spearhead troops, personnel serving with an Engineer unit, generally experienced higher casualties rates then standard units.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 15" tall, tooled, natural steel and sheet metal construction wire cutters with mottled tan bakelite grips. The wire cutters consist of dual, tubular, sheet metal handles fitted with mottled tan bakelite grips with additional, raised, mottled brown bakelite end pieces to prevent slippage. The tubular sheet metal handles have a central, swivel, hinge and an additional two swivel hinges which secure them to the cutting head. The uniquely shaped, curved angle cutting head has an additional swivel hinge with dual, downwardly angled cutting blades. The wire cutters still function although the cutting blades both have a few fair sized dents. The wire cutters are well marked with a stamped waffen-amt mark, the manufacturers initials, "VBW", indicating manufacture by Vereinigte Beckersche Werkzeugfabriken of Remscheid and, "H1938", indicating, Heer, (army) issue in 1938. The wire cutters are in overall good condition with minor surface spotting and pitting.

GRADE ***1/2                             PRICE $348.00