{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-m1917-trench-knife-by-american-cutlery-co-with-aged-replica-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. WWI M1917 Trench Knife by American Cutlery Co with Aged Replica Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice condition Model 1917 trench knife, with hardwood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and aged replica leather scabbard with standard GI pistol belt hook attachment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInside the knuckle guard is is nicely marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ccenter\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eA.C. CO USA 1917\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable features:\u003cbr\u003e- Triangular 8 1\/2\" black steel blade.\u003cbr\u003e - Steel guard marked: \u003cstrong\u003eA.C. CO USA 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e - Excellent condition wood grip, personalized with \"U.S. NAVY\"\u003cbr\u003e - Aged Replica Leather scabbard marked \u003cstrong\u003eJEWELL - 1918\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e - Standard pistol belt brass attachment hook\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is in good condition, though as with so many of these we see, the tip was broken off at some point, and the end is slightly bent, so probably someone used it to pry something open, and ended up breaking it. The rest of the blade is quite nice though, with lots of the original finish remaining, and arsenal grease still protecting a lot of this. The handle is in good condition, with no cracks or chips, and a lot of the original handguard finish is intact as well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very nice example that would make a perfect addition to any Great War or edged weapons collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 8 5\/8”\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 13 3\/4”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 9 7\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eHandguard: 4 1\/2”x 5”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first official U.S. trench knife adopted for service issue was the U.S. M1917 trench knife designed by Henry Disston \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":32068635918405,"sku":"ONSV9945","price":495.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV9945_02.jpg?v=1613079836","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-m1917-trench-knife-by-american-cutlery-co-with-aged-replica-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}