Original Item. Only One Available. This is an excellent knife piece to complete your Au Lion M1918 Trench Knife. This is a great grip handle with no blade, pommel, or scabbard. These are one of the most sought after military issue knives out there.

The U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife was the second major "Knuckle Knife" to be officially adopted and issued to the US military. It was developed for use in the horrific trench warfare that typified the stalemate on the Western Front during the latter part of World War One and saw use not only there, but during World War Two as well. The knife was manufactured in the United States by Henry Disston & Sons (H.D. & S.) as well as Landers, Frary & Clark (L.F. & C.) and Oneida Community Ltd (O.C.L.).

The knives were also produced in France and are marked with the usual 1918 and US marks, as well as Au Lion on the blade. In order to save time in getting the new knife to troops in the field, the first Mark I trench knives were procured from a French manufacturer, Au Lion (Au Lion/Société Générale, France). Whether this mark was a maker's mark or simply a motto is not known. The U.S. M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife is easily identifiable due to its large "brass knuckle" style guard and grip. The knives were 11 ¾" in overall length, with a 6 ¾" dagger style blade. The brass grips were marked U.S. 1918 and with the makers name or initials.

This is just the grip piece, which includes the crossguard, knuckles, and handle. It is missing the blade and pommel nut, a great piece for someone who has both pieces. The grip measures roughly 4 ⅛” long. It is still well-marked U.S. 1918. As is usually the case with the AU LION marked knives, the cast brass grip is rougher and cruder than the US made versions, with some residue as shown. As is also typical of the French made knives, the knuckle points are also less defined and not as sharp as the US made knives.

The French made grips are cast with a variety of minor differences, and this one is cast with rounded edges. The brass knuckle grip has a lovely brass color with a heavy amount of patina, and spots of oxidation.

Ready to display as is or complete your knife!