Possible WW1 Serbian trench dagger

[KnifeSlinger#81]

This one is way out of my field but I couldn't pass it up for the price. It's just too cool. One of my dad's neighbors was having a garage sale this morning and had some old military knives and swords. He told me this was serbian and he's had it a long time. It looks old and genuine as far as I can tell. It has a 1917 date and looks to have cyrillic letters. Only markings are on the handle, which seems to be aluminum. The sheath is wood wrapped in leather. Blade is about 8 1/2'' and handle is about 5''. It is well made.

Does anybody know anything about it?

[1967redrider]

Really cool, hopefully someone can translate it for you.

[KnifeSlinger#81]

Our member from Bulgaria was very kind to translate the inscription for me and provide a little background. Thank you very much Eustace!

Hi, Paul!
Very interesting!

The hostilities between Austria-Hungary and Serbia began on June 28, 1914 and continue with variable success until the autumn of the following year. On 7 October 1915, a joint onslaught of Austria-Hungary and Germany began and two days later the Serbian capital Belgrade was conquered. On October 14, Bulgaria also joined the campaign, appearing in Macedonia and Pomoravia. By December 1915, the pre-war territory of Serbia was completely occupied by the Allies, with the exception of the areas south of the Thessaloniki Front, but a significant portion of the Serbian troops managed to withdraw through Albania to Corfu and were later transferred to the Thessaloniki Front - 1916-1918.

the inscription is in Serbian and reads: "Stojan Zivojnovic" (owner's name) and " 1917 - for the memory from Thessaloniki"
It is quite possible that the dagger is of a Serbian soldier. At that time the rest of their army is in Thessaloniki.
Good find!

[knife7knut]

Great old knife! I was going to suggest contacting Georgi to see if he could translate it. He has helped me several times translating a few Russian knives that I have and is a wealth of information on history. GOOD GOING GEORGI!

[Doc B]

Very neat knife, Paul! The wear on the sheath and the patina, of the blade, are superb!!!

[eveled]

Very cool find.

[KnifeSlinger#81]

Thanks everybody.

Suffice to say I am quite thrilled with the find! It's a unique piece in my collection.

[herbva]

Very cool and unique acquisition! I wouldn't have been able to pass up that treasure either! I'm glad you were able to get that translation and thanks for sharing.

[orvet]

That is a really special piece especially considering you have the translation and the history around the piece.
Awesome find!

[bighomer]

Wow, knice

[TazmanTom18]

Amazing to be able to identify this unusual piece on a single site. What a fantastic resource to have. Thanks to all. Taz