An original World War I Imperial German Army, Aufpflanzbarer Grabendolch or Fixable Trench Knife Bayonet, often referred to by collectors as the DEMAG (see page 65 of German Combat Knives by Christian Mery). These knife Bayonets were popular private purchase weapons for German infantry men fighting in the trenches of the Western Front, as they provided a much handier and more useful multipurpose tool than that standard Mauser M-1898 bayonet. They were produced by Deutsche Maschinefabrik A-G of Duisburg, and the collector nickname originates from the circular DEMAG – DUISBURG makers mark on the ricasso. The combination knife bayonet has a unique “crank” shaped steel handle and steel cross guard, which is instantly identifiable with bayonet lug slot and button which works as it should. The undamaged clean double edged blade with medial ridge is 6" long (10 ½” overall). It's square shank ricasso is faintly stamped with the Demag roundel and the reverse 'Gesetzlich Geschutzt' (quality assurance / patent mark). The steel crank handle retains its original feldgrau green paint. Its original steel scabbard has a riveted integral leather belt loop with original retaining strap & stud fastener is absent. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 23484:46 (German knives box)
£575.00