British, WW1, Robbins of Dudley Trench Push Dagger / Punch Dagger. with Replacement Scabbard

*British, WW1, Robbins of Dudley Trench Push Dagger / Punch Dagger. with Replacement Scabbard*

A scarce and highly characteristic First World War trench fighting dagger by Robbins of Dudley, one of the best-known commercial makers of privately purchased trench weapons during the Great War. This is an original alloy-hilted “push dagger” or “punch dagger” pattern, retaining clear maker markings and accompanied by a later replacement leather scabbard. These distinctive weapons were designed specifically for close-quarters trench fighting and remain among the most recognisable specialist blades of the period.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 10.5 cm. Overall length: 13.8 cm. Knuckle width: 9 cm.

The dagger features the classic Robbins cast alloy pistol-style grip with deeply contoured finger grooves for secure handling. The design places three fingers beneath the blade with the index finger above, allowing the weapon to sit naturally within a clenched fist so that the blade projects directly forward from the centre of the hand. Beneath the grip is the characteristic steel knuckle-style guard, now showing age-related oxidation and surface rusting. The pommel is clearly stamped “ROBBINS DUDLEY”, confirming manufacture by the Dudley firm.

The blade is the standard Robbins pattern short double-edged spear-point type with flattened oval section and twin narrow fullers running along each face, converging towards the tip. It retains good form with honest age wear and scattered areas of oxidation and dark staining consistent with age and use. The replacement brown leather scabbard is a later addition but displays well and complements the piece for display purposes.

History Note:
The specialised nature of trench warfare during the First World War created a demand for compact close-combat weapons intended for fighting in confined spaces such as trenches, dugouts and sap positions. Alongside clubs, trench knives and improvised weapons, push daggers became popular due to their compact form and instinctive stabbing action. Unlike standard military bayonets, examples such as this were not official issue equipment but were commercially manufactured and privately purchased by soldiers heading to the front.

Robbins of Dudley, Worcestershire, was founded in 1880 in Fountain Street, Dudley. Initially manufacturers of baths and architectural ironwork, the company later specialised in decorative and art metalwork. During the Great War they produced a range of highly distinctive trench knives and push daggers—at least ten known variants—with a notably curvilinear and ergonomic appearance. Their alloy-hilted fighting knives are among the most distinctive British trench weapons of the period and are today highly sought after by collectors.

*Condition*
The alloy grip remains solid with clear Robbins markings. The steel guard shows surface rust and age patination. The blade displays honest age wear with scattered oxidation and dark staining but retains its profile well. Replacement leather scabbard present and in good serviceable condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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