Robbins of Dudley Push Knife

Product Description: This Robbins of Dudley Push Knife is very nice and example of a rare and desirable trench weapon. This unusual fighting knife was made for stabbing from behind, rather than cut-and-thrust knife fighting. The double-edged blade is made of steel, and shows light age, with no damage. The cast aluminum handle is clean, with slight traces of wear, and has the “Robbins Dudley” maker mark. This impressive knife measures 6-1/2 inches long overall (tip to back of grip). The correct original period scabbard is made of smooth brown leather. It has a loop for hanging it on a belt, and the knife is retained in the scabbard by a single strap with a stud closure. The leather shows typical darkening from age and wear. All of the original stitching is intact. This Robbins of Dudley Push Knife is very rare to find, especially with the original scabbard. The overall condition rates as excellent.

Historical Description: During the first World War, “trench knives” became a fixture for combatants on both sides. These weapons were developed for the reality of hand to hand, close quarters combat that was a grisly part of trench fighting. The first knives were field expedient products using improvised designs, fabricated by unit workshops or by the soldiers themselves. The French began mass production of trench knives early on, and these designs proved influential; the US military would later introduce various models based on the French designs. Germans created their own sturdy cut-and-thrust knives, in designs which remained in use through the end of WWII. Commonwealth troops used a number of different types, including several different standardized varieties. The designs of WWI trench knives were extremely numerous and varied and ranged from commercial type Bowie knives to simple weapons made from the stakes used to hang barbed wire. Push daggers and stilleto-type knives also saw use. Fighting knives were used alongside other types of “quiet” and melee weapons including clubs and hatchets. WWI trench knives are avidly collected today for their historical value.

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