Nice WWI German Boot Knife - Scalloped Blade

Description

11/2/26 - This is a nice example of a Gottlieb Hammesfahr German boot knife manufactured in Solingen, Germany from WWI. The blade on this boot knife is in good condition, with a beautiful light patina present on a majority of the blade. The edge of the blade shows no signs of any damage. The spine of the blade near the tip is scalloped, though it appears that this was done post production as the edge is offset to the left of the blade. One side of the blade on the ricasso bears the German imperial Crown/C proof. The opposite side is stamped "GOTTLIEB // HAMMESFAHR // SOLINGEN.FOCHE" which indicates the maker, and the district (Solingen-Foche) within Solingen that this blade was manufactured. The cross guard is in great shape with very light patina on top of the cross guard. The wooden grip panels are in great condition with some edge wear which has rounded out the edges of the handle. Neither wooden panel has any movement or play, and there are signs of chips or cracks in either one. The metal scabbard is in great shape and has retained a majority of its original black finish. There is a piece of tape on the front of the scabbard that appears to have a small area where there is finish loss on the front of the scabbard. The edges of the scabbard have sparse loss and chipping, and there is one area on the back towards the tip, that is roughly 1" in length that is worn down to the metal. The leather on the scabbard is still securely fastened with no ripping or tearing. The leather handle strap is present and is excellent condition, including the fastening button which has almost no loss of the original brown paint. Overall this is a nice WWI boot knife.