The trench knife was a weapon with generations of tradition in the German military. After WWI, many German edged weapon manufacturers in Solingen and elsewhere continued to make fighting knives, and various types were available as private purchase items to soldiers in WWII. The private purchase type trench knives often had commercial type maker marks and were usually equipped with metal scabbards that had either a metal clip or, less commonly, leather fittings for wear on a belt. It was not long before trench knives in the traditional style were manufactured for military issue by the various branches of the Wehrmacht. Luftwaffe issue fighting knives can sometimes be identified by the use of branch-specific inspection stamps, while in the German Army, the knife got the designation “Infanteriemesser 42” (Infantry Knife 1942). Between the private purchase and issue types, there were many variations, with grips made of wood or Bakelite found among various handle styles.

Here a Puma trench knife as used by German ground troops in WWII. The Bakelite grip is in almost perfect condition. This red/brown colored Bakelite grip is associated with examples produced from 1942 through the end of WWII, and is secured to the handle with 3 original rivets. The blade on this knife is nice, with very few marks throughout. The “Puma Solingen” manufacturer marking remains clearly visible on the blade ricasso. The scabbard features a single clip on the rear, for fastening the knife to the boot, or elsewhere on the uniform and equipment. The scabbard of this Puma trench knife shows very little wear and has almost no surface rust. A fantastic field-used example of a desirable WWII German trench knife.