W�sthof is a name well known to edged weapon enthusiasts. Even non collectors are familiar with Ed. W�sthof Dreizackwerk's trident logo marked carving knives sold in department stores. Somewhat lesser known is Carl W�sthof Gladiatorwerk. While Carl W�sthof marked SA daggers are somewhat common, other type blades are not so much with W�sthof being credited as also producing Heer daggers & HJ knives. I previously had a HJ honor bayonet with stag grips, etched pommel & SS logo on the blade by W�sthof, also marked "Gladiator".
This example came to me from Eban & was one of my first fire bayonets. Even though I was unable to afford many of the expensive daggers, I loved that I was still able to obtain something nice that was wartime produced with these marks & this one was no exception. according to Fisher's guide, old Carl's company was still in operation as late as 2002.
This mark is on the reverse ricasso of a minty short model with narrow blood groove & magnetic pommel.
