A military fighting (trench) knife is a combat knife designed for use at close quarters. These knives were developed in response to a need for a close combat weapon for soldiers conducting assaults and raids on enemy trenches in WW1. Initially, these knives were a private purchase item by soldiers and often these weapons were made by the troops themselves from cut down bayonets. Later, company armourers undertook the task of shortening bayonets for use by the troops.
This is a scarce trench knife fashioned from an 1888 pattern Lee-Metford bayonet. It is likely that this knife was made for the soldier who originally owned it.
The 154mm blade follows the profile of the donor bayonet blade having a raised medial ridge and terminating in a spear point. The blade is double-edged and the edges have been service sharpened although these weapons were generally intended for thrusting.
The blade has been cleaned and is in good condition with speckles of tarnish and small areas of shallow pitting. The ricasso bears the original manufacture and War Department ownership and inspection markings.
The press-stud part of the attachment mechanism was ground flush with the pommel and the muzzle ring has been removed. The wooden grip scales are in good condition with dings and staining consistent with age and use.
The scabbard is an adapted 1907 pattern scabbard, locket mouth altered and scabbard shortened to accommodate the shortened blade. The scabbard is in good condition with wear and marks to the leather. The stitching of the seam is intact. The locket has pitting (which has been cleaned and treated) consistent with being in a bayonet frog for an extended period. The dents to the locket do not affect the sheathing or drawing of the knife. The knife sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an interesting and rare WW1 trench fighting knife.
