{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-m1917-trench-knife-by-american-cutlery-company-with-wwii-leather-sheath","title":"Original U.S. WWI M1917 Trench Knife by American Cutlery Company with WWII Leather Sheath","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. Now this is a real beauty here! This is an excellent condition Model 1917 trench knife, with hardwood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and a lovely WWII era leather sheath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe inside of the knuckle guard is is nicely marked:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA.C.C.O. U.S.A. 1917\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\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 of this example:\u003cbr\u003e- Triangular 9\" black steel blade. Blade has some of the original finish, with the usual runner marks. The corners are still mostly sharp, but the blade has scattered oxidation spotting throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Very good condition wood grip. Has a few tiny dents, but a great color, and solid shape without the usual rounding from use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Excellent condition spiked steel hand guard, with no dents or bends we can see. There is some oxidation spotting as shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e- Small leather sheath that only fits the blade and has a small belt loop. A very interesting sheath which still retains its stitching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent example that would make a perfect addition to any Great War or even WWII edged weapons collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade length: 8 5\/8”\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 14 1\/4”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard length: 9 1\/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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42284091441221,"sku":"ONSV24TMB127","price":595.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24TMB127__01.jpg?v=1736951671","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-m1917-trench-knife-by-american-cutlery-company-with-wwii-leather-sheath","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}