WW1 German ‘ERN Nahkampfmesser’ Trench Dagger. ED 447. Dagger

Maker marked by Ern, Wald Rheinl. (Rassiermesser Fabrik). Complete with genuine wooden grips and scabbard. Belt loop is present and leather remains supple. The knife sheathes and draws well and sits tight in its sheath. The Nahkampfmesser remained in service in modified form through to the end of the Second World War. German-issued trench knives of World War I were "conventional, general-purpose, cut-and-thrust knives" with blades that were "for the most part approximately six inches in length, single-edged with a top leading false edge, although double-edged blades are occasionally encountered. See page 42 of ‘Fighting Knives’ by Frederick J. Stephens, item 185. The blade is excellent and is 5 ¾ “long. The steel scabbard still has the original leather belt loop attached and the wooden grips are in excellent condition. The price for this collectors piece includes UK delivery. ED 447.