M1917 Trench Knife – LF&C

Product Description: This M1917 Trench Knife – LF&C  is an outstanding example of the very first pattern of government issue fighting knives designed and issued to US troops. The triangular blade shows light wear and slight twist at very tip.  Most of its original bluing is intact as shown. The handle shows marks consistant with age and wear, only a few small blemishes. The spiked hand guard retains most of its original factory applied bluing and is maker marked “LF&C,” indicating manufacture by the firm of Landers, Frary & Clark, and dated 1917.  This scarce and desirable 1917 US Trench Knife is missing original leather scabbard but  condition of this well-preserved and impressive piece rates as excellent.

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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