Item:
ONSV24NWS070

Original Italian WWI Arditi 2nd Model Trench Knife

Item Description

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of the famous Italian “Adriti” Trench knife, 2nd model. Arditi was the name adopted by a Royal Italian Army elite special force of World War I. They and the opposing German Stormtroopers were the first modern shock troops, and they have been called "the most feared corps by opposing armies".

Reparti d'assalto ('Assault units') were formed in the summer of 1917 by Colonel Bassi, and were assigned the tactical role of shock troops, breaching enemy defenses in order to prepare the way for a broad infantry advance. The Arditi were not units within infantry divisions, but were considered a separate combat arm.

Normally Arditi knives were made from the tip of an M1870 Vetterli Bayonet, but this one appears to be made from a Carcano bayonet, which was known to happen. 

The blade measures 7¼” with an overall length of 12¾”. The handle shows some wear and a large crack on one side which appears to have been repaired. The blade shows some service-use, and the sheath is absent.

A good service-worn example of the very scarce Arditi trench knife. Ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7¾"
Overall length: 12¾“

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