This French combat dagger is an iconic weapon of the Great War trenches. Used primarily by chasseurs, assault troops, and sappers, this short, sturdy, and handy dagger was designed for close-quarters combat in trenches where rifles were becoming cumbersome.
This is an authentic model, sometimes called a "Lebel dagger" in the version supplied with certain rifles, or a homemade or artillery-made model depending on the variant.
Period: First World War (1914–1918).
Type: COUTROT combat dagger no. 6.
Blade: Forged steel, double-edged.
Total length: 28 cm.
Blade: 15.5 cm.
Oval metal guard stamped "GP".
Patina of use, intact blade, unrestored piece.
Trench warfare imposed a new type of combat, brutal, close, improvised.
For this, French soldiers received or made these daggers themselves: from shortened bayonets, or directly in the factory.
Some units such as the Free Corps or colonial troops used these weapons during night attacks or silent raids.
Original coin from the Great War.
Highly sought after by WWI and French militaria collectors.
