M1 1918 US Trench Knife L.F.&C.

Product Description: This 1918 US Trench Knife is a desirable, 100% original piece. The knife is made by L.F.& C. and the scabbard is Au Lion 1918. It is not uncommon to find both Au Lion and L. F. & C. knives with switched scabbards. The blade on this one is in amazing condition, with only light runner marks and no damage. It still has an appealing shine. The brass grip is correct, with no damage, and has not been cut down like the WWII ones. The raw brass surface has taken on a handsome deep patina with age, with some small spots of verdigris. The markings on the grip are crisp. The scabbard has a dark color and a smooth steel surface. Both of the attachment prongs on the scabbard were broken off at some point in the past. This is a nice representative example of this iconic combat weapon. Overall, the condition of this 1918 US Trench Knife rates as excellent plus.

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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