BACKGROUND: The standard issue bayonets of WWI were found by most troops to be too long and heavy to make a good combat knife which resulted in 1915 with the development of smaller blade weapons for use in hand-to-hand fighting. The close combat, or trench knife, saw wide spread use during WWI and came in both ordnance issue and private purchase, with numerous variations.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A 5 1/2" non-fullered blade with a long swedge. The blade is in superb condition and shows sharpening which you expect to see on a combat blade. The nicely grained, natural wood grips are secured by three flat headed rivets. The grips has the typical nine diagonally angled grooves to each side, for a better grip. The sheet metal scabbard retains 95% of its original black enameled paint. The reverse top edge of the scabbard has two rivets securing a vertical leather belt loop leather retaining strap with a snap closure riveted to its forward face. Maker marked "RASTERMESSER FABRIK". Excellent example.

GRADE **** ½                             PRICE $215.00