Description
Germany WW1 DEMAG bayonet-fighting knife (Aufpflanzbarer Grabendolch – fixable trench knife-bayonet) original metal scabbard. Rare type in excellent overall condition, considering the age.
Rare original WWI era Imperial Germany AUFPFLANZBARER GRABENDOLCH or “Fixable Trench Knife-Bayonet” – one of the rarest WWI fighting knives. This type is often referred to by collectors as “crank bayonet” or simply as “the Demag“, since these knife/bayonet combination weapons were produced by Deutsche Maschinefabrik A-G of Duisburg, Germany. This exact type is illustrated on pages 239-242 the excellent French reference book Knives and Daggers-Bayonets Used by the German Army During 1914-1945 by Christian Mary (see the scans attached). These private-purchase weapons were very popular with the German infantrymen as they proved to be handy multi-purpose weapons/tools; something the standard-issue long Mauser bayonet lacked. Attached is a photo of the WW1 era German officer wearing a pistol and the Demag bayonet/fighting knife in a somewhat informal manner (original photo is not included with this lot).
Demag fighting knives were designed to function both as bayonets for Mauser Gew.98 infantry rifle AND as trench knives. Due to its innovative design Aufpflanzbarer Grabendolch became the first dual-purpose rifle bayonet of its time. A unique “crank” shaped all-metal handle makes these bayonets instantly identifiable; these days this type is VERY popular and desirable WW1 edged weapon.
This specimen is about 10” / 25.2 cm overall, double-edged spear-point blade is about 5-3/8” / 13.7 cm. The blade has been very lightly re-sharpened, the tip is intact – VERY rare this nice. Ricasso is sharply stamped Demag / D.R.G.M. on one side. All-metal “crank handle” is solid; guard has a bit of a play; bayonet lock/release mechanism is tight and 100% functional. About 50% of the original OD-green finish is remaining; the handle has not been re-painted. Original steel scabbard is in great condition, considering the age; original black finish is about 60-70% present. The original leather belt loop soft and supple still; the keeper is intact.
After 100 plus years this original Germany WW1 DEMAG bayonet-fighting knife / fixable bayonet original scabbard is in 100% serviceable condition even now. This WW-1 fighter is in excellent overall condition – super rare as such. Most of the surviving WW1 era German Nahkampfmesser fighting knives are in private collections & rarely come up for sale – don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection! These are the actual photos; spent brass is not included with the knife 😉 I have a few more German era combat knives and bayonets, as well as several scarce WW1 and WW2 fighting daggers and trench knives from other countries available for sale – please take a look in our Militaria section.
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