WW1 Prussian Close Combat Knife & Scabbard with a ‘King Friedrich Wilhelm III’ Crest on the Grip

Here on offer is a WW1 Prussian close combat/trench knife, known as a Nahkampfmesser, complete with its original black painted metal scabbard.

This example is unusual in that it has a brass ‘King Friedrich Wilhelm III’ crest fitted to the grip.

The slightly pitted metal handle is made up of a one-piece eagle headed pommel with a false release button, grip tang and single quillion crossguard.

The beautiful black wooden chequered grip plates are held in place by two metal rivets and as already stated, the front grip has been fitted with the brass embossed crest for ‘King Friedrich Wilhelm III’.

The double-edged blade has seen some use but still retains sharp edges with no nicks. The overall finish shows areas of darkening and sharpening to the flats.

No maker’s mark is present which is common for this type of knife.

The black painted scabbard retains a lot of its original paint but has lost its leather strap, which was most likely removed to allow it to be used as a boot knife.

It's very hard these days to find these original trench knives with the embossed crest emblem.

It just looks and feels like it has a story to tell!

The blade measures 5.5” (14cm) long and the knife is 10.1” (25.5cm) in total length.

It weighs 270g.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched.

The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country.

Code: 50563