Original U.S. WWI “Hill 240” Death Valley Battle-Carved M1917 Knuckle Duster Trench Knife by American Cutlery Co. with Pistol Belt & Victory Medal - Meuse-Argonne & Soissons
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Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is an outstanding and truly unique set belonging to a soldier who fought valiantly in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, particularly at Hill 240 in the “Death Valley”, one of the two hills Sergeant Alvin C. York was tasked with taking when he received his Medal of Honor. The set consists of his M1912 Pistol belt with attached M1917 “Knuckle Duster” trench knife and scabbard, which is beautifully carved on both sides of the grip with MEUSE-ARGONNE / SOISSONS HILL 240. In our research, we found multiple references to Hill 240, and even found a photograph of the hill taken from Hill 272. Also included is the soldier’s victory medal and a printed photograph of the soldier pre-war. Unfortunately, there was no name with the set or the photo. Still, this is an unbelievable set with a battle-carved trench knife.
The knife is a very good condition Model 1917 trench knife with hardwood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and leather scabbard with standard GI pistol belt hook attachment.
Inside the knuckle guard is is nicely marked:
A.C. CO USA 1917
This indicates 1917 manufacture by American Cutlery Corporation, of Chicago Illinois. This company, established in 1865, manufactured a multitude of edged weapons, as well as other products. This is a far more difficult maker to find than L.F.&C.
This example has some heavy wear and oxidation spotting across the knuckles and guard, great battle wear. The blade is in good condition, with about 80% of the original finish, but there is some scattered oxidation spotting. The wood grip is still in great shape, and carved on both sides with MEUSE-ARGONNE on one side and SOISSONS HILL 240 on the other. These would indicate the Meuse-Argonne Offensive (September 26th to November 11th, 1918) and the Soissons (Aisne-Marne) Offensive (July 18-21st 1918). Hill 240 was a heavily fortified hill held by the Germans, finally taken by Americans during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. We were able to find a photograph showing doughboys of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, holed in one the side of Hill 240.
The scabbard is in fair condition with the same heavy surface oxidation on the throat and drag. It is still nicely marked JEWELL 1918.
The included M1912 pistol belt is marked to Mills and is in great shape. The Victory Medal has two bars for Meuse-Argonne and Defensive Sector, and retains the original issue card with the bar names.
This is an outstanding set carried by a Doughboy who fought through the deadliest campaign in the history of the United States Army. Comes ready for further research and display.
Dimensions:
Blade length: 8 5/8”
Overall length: 13 3/4”
Scabbard length: 9 7/8"
Handguard: 4 1/2”x 5”
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