Original French WWI U.S. Stamped M1916 Type 2 Fighting Knife Stamped “Le Vengeur de 1870” with WWII Era Sheath - Extremely Rare
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice modified example of the French WWI M1916 type 2 Fighting Knife, pattern 41., marked on the blade ricasso with LE VENGEUR DE 1870 and on the other side with 76. It comes complete with a WWII period custom-made sheath.
These are often called Le Vengeur de 1870 (The Avenger of 1870), in reference to the lost war against the Prussian Army in 1870. After the defeat of France in 1940 the Germans captured large quantities of M1916's and these were then used in Norway. The M1916 knife was also tested in Sweden during the immediate post war years. This is the first example we’ve had with this motto on the ricasso.
The blade design on these knives is quite similar to that of the U.S. Mark 1 Trench knife, with a 6 1/2 inch long double-edged spear point shape, out of the overall length of 11 inches. This example still bears much of the original factory final grind cross grain, with some light staining from age. The crossguard has been cut down as shown, likely during WWII.
The flat steel crossguard has been cut down as shown. It is also loose on the tang at present. The nicely toned walnut grip has a great color and grain without any serious chips or major dents, but there is a small crack coming from the top. The handle is on solidly, with no play on the blade tang. The original sheath is a custom WWII period example with a belt loop, put together with five rivets and stitching. The securing strap is retained, and the snap is marked UNITED CARR, so this was likely an American-used knife.
A very nice example of a WWI French fighting knife likely used by an American soldier during World War II! Ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 5/8"
Overall length: 11 1/8"
Scabbard Length: 7 ½ + belt loop
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