Germany, Imperial. A Trench Knife, by Demag

(Grabendolch). A well-preserved trench knife/fighting knife, measuring 28 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 16 cm-long magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to the edges and tip. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “DEMAG, DUISBURG”. It sits securely within an olive-drab painted magnetic metal “crank handle” with a hollow insertion slot set into the pommel, in turn retaining a functional push-button release. Four magnetic metal rivets securely maintain the hilt’s structure. Accompanying the knife is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A blackened leather strap is riveted to the reverse, stitched into a loop for belt suspension, and retains a functional snap button to fasten the knife in place. A functional catch situated within the throat also secures the knife in position during storage. Issues consistent with age and field use are evident, and include running marks and tarnishing the blade, moderate loss of paint to both the hilt and scabbard shaft, and some fatigue of the leather strap. A combat-used example issued to both Imperial German forces and the postwar Reichswehr, this trench knife remains in a very fine condition.