Imperial Boot Knife

Product Description: This Imperial Boot Knife is over 100 years old, and in very good condition. It’s definitely a piece that saw actual use. The blade shows some wear and minor graying, and has been sharpened. The ricasso is maker marked by the well-known knife maker Gottlieb Hammesfahr, in Solingen. The other side of the blade ricasso has an Imperial-era “crown” proof stamp, and is stamped “Germany.” The original wooden grips are intact, though there is a coat of clear lacquer that covers the handle and crossguard. There is a mark from something having been pinned to one of the grips long ago. This Imperial boot knife is complete with its original scabbard, which has been repainted, with the current paint right on top of old pitting and the remnants of factory paint. The leather belt loop and retaining strap are totally intact, with a functional snap. Knives like these were used by soldiers in combat in both World Wars.

Historical Description: The typical German fighting knife of the World Wars was a conventional, general purpose knife, sturdily made, with a full tang and slab grips, and a steel scabbard. The blade length was about 6 inches long. Between 1914 and 1918, there were many makers of these knives, known as “Grabenmesser” (trench knives). Wooden handles were common, and most had a leather belt loop on the scabbard. Some of these knives were privately purchased by the soldiers, while others were issued items. There were many variations, including stag grips, solid metal handles, and even some with offset handles and slots that allowed them to be fixed to rifles, bayonet style.

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