Unknown Knife Handle Germany

Hi,
My friend found this while metal detecting up in Northern British Columbia. It is 4"L x 1 1/2" where the blade would meet the handle, just some rust left of the blade. The handle is a hexagon shape (6 sides).
Marked made in Germany underneath. A magnet is attracted to it but very weakly. To me it looks like the knob top should come off but it doesn't.
Any ideas on age or information appreciated.
Thanks for looking

 

It may have looked something like this

 

Thanks komokwa! So maybe the knob top is an add on to this?

 

Funny how the blade would rust away and the handle looks great - even if brass or bronze wouldn't it have a green patina on it and be at least worn a little bit?

 

I follow a Facebook page called London Mudlarks and there was a photo of a knife handle just like this a few days ago. Interesting.

 

Thanks Rayo!
I didn't think it was brass or bronze when I held it, but I could be wrong. I lightened the photos somewhat so the design would show. There some rust coloured areas but not all over. Here is the other side that shows some black in the outline of the design.

 

That is interesting Bev! @Bev aka thelmasstuff can you post a link to the page?

 

Go to Facebook and in the search at the top just type in London Mudlarks and ask to join the group. They find some fascinating stuff. The rules are that you can't dig, you can only find things by eye. They find the tiniest items going all the way back to Roman artifacts.

 

i believe the knob to be original.

 

Bev, I found the Facebook page but couldn't find the knife - there are some very cool items there that folks have found.
Thanks for that link Dave, I'll check it out.
Thanks komokwa

 

It might have been a cross post. There are folks who mudlark in different countries who sometimes post links to their finds on rivers.

 

I think even if it had a weapon-type blade, the piece was strictly decorative. If a real weapon made in Germany, all marks would likely be on the Ricasso. Also the handle isn't properly designed for a dagger intended for use since the hand would slip forward easily. Was made in 20 th C. as a decorator. The handle can be disassembled, just needs some liquid penetrant under that little ball, and time to work. There could be diamonds or Hitler diaries stuffed inside.

 

Your other photos weren't showing before but are now and I can see they have the same knob.
Thanks Spring!

lol, I like this idea but I don't think my friend will do this.

 

Ya, not sure why that happens.....

Sometimes the knob...as you call it ...is actually part of the blade..running thru the handle.

 

I'm not help with the knife itself, but would like to suggest the best penetrant I've ever found, by far, very far: Aerokroil.

 

not much help with....

 

Have you been able to compare it to "PB Blaster?"

 

I'm sure the brass handle is a hollow sheet-brass sleeve with a steel shaft, an extension of the blade, running thru the center. The ball is threaded inside and screws onto the threaded end of that shaft. The flat round thing under the ball is just a washer, or it is possible the ball and washer are joined into one piece then threaded. The maker wanted to make money and had to use some simple quick assembly method like I'm describing. One photo shows the brass handle mis-aligned with the ball and washer which is proof that the handle is hollow and kind of rattling around on the shaft.