Robbins of Dudley Push Knife

Product Description: This is very nice example of a rare Robbins of Dudley push knife with a period leather scabbard. This unusual aluminum handled, knuckle push dagger style knife was made for stabbing from behind, and not knife fighting. It measures 6-1/4 inches long overall (tip to back of grip). The double-edged blade is oriented horizontally to the ground when held, and has two central blood grooves. The blade shows only very slight traces of age and wear. The cast on aluminum handle has a pistol grip style, with molded contours to wrap one’s fingers around. It has a rounded steel knuckle guard that is designed to cover the last three fingers only. The handle is clean, and features the “Robbins Dudley” maker mark at the bottom of the grip. This Robbins of Dudley Push Knife is complete with its original scabbard, which is very rare to find. The leather scabbard is complete and sound, with traces of wear as well as typical darkening from age. It features a loop for a belt and a single retaining strap with stud. This hard-to-find and very desirable fighting knife remains in excellent condition.

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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