Militaria Zone

Dealer Information

Dealer: Great Scott Antiques
Location: Hampshire, United Kingdom
Tel: 07824445058
Email: chris@greatscottantiques.com

French Trench Dagger Poignard Prime

SOLD

Code: 10925

Website: https://www.militariazone.com/knives/french-trench-dagger-poignard-prime/itm18414

Illustrated in Frederick Stephens "Fighting Knives" and described as "A professionally manufactured dagger by the French firm of Brevete at St Etienne. This piece was made from a pattern 1871 Gras bayonet blade, but has a finely chequered aluminium hilt."

We now know that this piece was infact manufactured by "Francais Armes&Cycles" at St Etienne, "Brevete" being the French word for "Patent".  This dagger is also known as a "Prime" dagger, or Poignard Prime, due to the "Prime" (point) of the bayonet being used to manufacture this particular dagger. The same company made a seperate dagger from the hilt section of the bayonet, and also converted the yataghan Chassepot bayonets into fighting knives. 

These were popular private purchase trench daggers. They were made in relatively small numbers and are consequently quite scarce. This example comes in very good condition, and is housed in the correct scabbard with spring belt clip attached.

Blade length 9.25 inches, 13.75 inches overall. 

Strictly over 18's only. Photo ID will be required before this item can be dispatched.