Is this an original handcrafted fighting knife?

**DZaytsev** · 03-13-2011, 12:27 AM

Today I found what I was told is a German ww1 fighting knife constructed from a Mauser bayonet blade and layers of wood and metal of some sort for a handle.

There is also a bolt on the bottom that I assume holds it all together.

Also, around the guard where the blade joins into the handle are several diamond shaped marks from a locking tool of some sort as well as other marks.

The knife certainly looks aged but I'm not too sure what to make of it.

Does any of this check out for authenticity? I'm not familiar with this field of expertise.

**Grimebox** · 03-13-2011, 10:58 AM

Hello, I maybe wrong but the handle does not German to me. I suspect that it was made by a US serviceman using a German bayonet during WW2. If you Google 'ww2 theatre made fighting knife' you'll find a lot with this crude layered handle.

**DZaytsev** · 03-13-2011, 11:20 AM

by Grimebox

Hello, I maybe wrong but the handle does not German to me. I suspect that it was made by a US serviceman using a German bayonet during WW2. If you Google 'ww2 theatre made fighting knife' you'll find a lot with this crude layered handle.

I will look into this. Thank you for the information.

**Richie B** · 03-13-2011, 11:46 AM

by Grimebox

Hello, I maybe wrong but the handle does not German to me. I suspect that it was made by a US serviceman using a German bayonet during WW2. If you Google 'ww2 theatre made fighting knife' you'll find a lot with this crude layered handle.

I would agree with that opinion.

Are there any manufacturer's marks left on the blade ?

Regards

Richie

**DZaytsev** · 03-13-2011, 12:00 PM

The blade has CE and WG stamped with one below the other. That's the only stamp I can find.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 03-13-2011, 12:25 PM

I would totally agree: a GI made item.

Cheers, Ade.

**DZaytsev** · 03-13-2011, 12:30 PM

I've been reading about these online for a bit now. Very interesting stuff.

What would be considered a fair price on a knife like this?

**Richie B** · 03-13-2011, 02:35 PM

by DZaytsev

The blade has CE and WG stamped with one below the other. That's the only stamp I can find.

That is probably OEWG - Osterreichische Waffenfabriks-Gesellschaft.

Austrian sword and bayonet makers.

The blade may well be from an Austrian M1895 bayonet.

Regards

Richie