WWI Private Purchase Trench Knife and Leather Sheath by Manufacturer Wade & Butcher Sheffield England. ED 2400. Knives

A trench knife is a combat knife designed to kill or incapacitate an enemy at close quarters, such as in a trench or other confined area. It was developed as a close combat weapon for soldiers attacking enemy trenches during the First World War. William and Samuel Butcher were the sons of James Butcher, a cutler in Charles Street Sheffield. In the directories of 1821 and 1822 – Wade & Butcher – which traded from 85 Arundel Street Sheffield. The ‘Butcher’ is not identified, but it was presumably Samuel. The other principal was Robert Wade, who had been listed as a razor manufacturer in Arundel Street Sheffield since 1816. With a 12 ¾ cm (22 ¾ overall) single edged blade stamped ‘Wade & Butcher Sheffield England’ to the ricasso to one side with the Company trademark to the other showing light age related staining. The pineapple plastic grips are held with 3 pins. The silver coloured finger guard has minor play but is intact. The brown leather scabbard has an integrated belt loop and the stitching is all intact. The price includes UK delivery. ED 2400.