Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition Model 1917 trench knife with hardwood handle and triangular stiletto blade, made by American Cutlery Co. of Chicago, IL. It comes complete with the correct leather scabbard with standard belt hook attachment.
Inside the knuckle guard is is nicely marked:
Notable features:
- Triangular 9" black steel blade.
- Steel guard marked: A.C. CO USA 1917
- Excellent condition wood grip.
- Leather scabbard marked JEWELL - 1918
- Standard brass attachment hook
This example is in very good condition, though the finish on the blade has areas of finish loss from inserting it into and extracting it from the scabbard. There is also a bit of oxidation on the edges, and the point is just a little worn. The scabbard is complete, and in very good shape, with the leather still soft and retaining most of the gren paint. This is an example that would make a perfect genuine addition to any collection.
The first official U.S. trench knife adopted for service issue was the U.S. M1917 trench knife designed by Henry Disston & Sons, and based on examples of trench knives then in service with the French Army. 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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