M1918 Au Lion Trench Knife w/ Scabbard

Product Description: This M1918 Au Lion Trench Knife w/ Scabbard has great character and a “combat” look. It’s a nice, complete piece, that shows honest wear and age. The blade has an even darkening and pitting throughout, but has a nice “Au Lion” maker logo on the ricasso. The brass handle has attractive, uncleaned patina, with a nice deep “U.S. 1918” cast in to the grip. There are several E and F stamps around the handle. This M1 1918 Trench Knife is complete with french fighting knife scabbard. The scabbard has some oxidation throughout, and presents an even, old patina. The scabbard has a single loop bar for attaching to a belt. These desirable trench knives are truly becoming harder to find. This one displays great, and is in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The first official U.S. trench knife adopted for service issue was the U.S. M1917 trench knife. It was designed by Henry Disston & Sons and based off examples of trench knives that were in service with the French Army at that time. The M1917 featured a triangular stiletto blade, wooden grip, metal knuckle guard, and a rounded pommel. The M1917 proved unsatisfactory in service, and a slightly improved version, the M1918, was adopted within months. Despite this, the M1918 is almost identical to the M1917, differing primarily in the construction and appearance of the knuckle guard. Usable only as stabbing weapons, the M1917 and M1918 frequently suffered broken blades. Their limited utility and general unpopularity caused the AEF to empanel a testing board in 1918, to test various trench knives and select a replacement.

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