Original U.S. WWI / WWII M1918 Mark I Modified Trench Knife by Au Lion with Theater-Made Bowie Style Blade & Custom Leather Scabbard
In stock
-
Original Item: Only One Available. 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. 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.
This is a WWII-era modified M1918 trench knife grip and knuckles manufactured by Au Lion during World War I, with the blade being replaced with a much longer 8 ¼” bowie cut blade. The crossguard has been entirely removed.
The brass grips are no longer darkened as it has been ground down on all sides when the crossguard was removed. They are still marked U.S. 1918. The blade shows moderate oxidation and scratching from when it was finished. The blade is very sharp and the pommel cap “skullcrusher” still holds the blade tight to the hilt. The overall length is 13” and the knuckles retain their original shape.
The 13 ⅝” custom scabbard covers the entire grip leaving the knuckles exposed, with a securing strap and knob to keep it in place. There is a belt loop riveted to the back. The entire scabbard has been applied with a heavy leather cleaner which has made the grip a bit slippery.
A very interesting custom-modified trench knife, ready for display.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 8 1/4”
Blade Style: Double Edged Dagger
Overall length: 13”
Scabbard Length: 13 5/8”
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington
This product is not available for international shipping.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
- Prohibited and therefore not available for shipment to the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. Please check all local laws and restrictions before ordering.
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
