WWI German Officers ‘Private Purchase’ Trench Dagger and Sheath by H.Böker & Co. 19357. Dagger

Indeed these weapons were used by hunters and lumberjacks, and it was quite natural that these men took their knives with them to war. In hand to hand trench fighting, after the first months of the war, these weapons gave them a clear advantage. This dagger was made by H.Böker & Co- Solingen. The blade is 120mm in length (250mm overall) and has the ‘H.Böker & Co- Solingen’ and chestnut tree symbol engraved to the cheek. Böker Tree Brand has been producing cutlery for well over 145 years. In 1869, Heinrich Böker founded Böker & Company in Solingen, Germany. Envisioning an easily recognizable symbol to identify their products, Heinrich remembered a giant chestnut tree that shaded their original factory. The blade is showing a nice age related patina. There is a tab closed by a press stud sewn to the body of the sheath and a strap with a buckle running through the belt loop. All of the stitching and studs are undamaged. A 10cm deer antler grip below silver steel pommel with ‘BSJ’ engraved and above a silver one sided quillon *slight movement between the blade and grip*. A collectors piece worthy of further investigation. Price includes UK postage. 19357.