Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This good used condition Model 1917 trench knife has a wood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and leather scabbard with standard GI Pistol belt hook attachment.
The top of the guard is is nicely marked:
Landers, Frary, and Clark (L.F. & C.) began in 1853 as Landers & Smith Manufacturing Company, and in 1862 became known as Landers, Frary & Clark. They were in New Britain, Connecticut, and made a number of house hold items, as well as items for the military. They closed their doors in 1965.
Notable features of this example:
• Triangular 8 3/4" steel blade. Blade has lost most of the original finish, due to polishing and use in service. There is some light oxidation in places, but the blade is solid, and has clean edges with a sharp point.
• Very good condition wood grip. Almost no denting with a great color, and solid shape without the usual rounding from use.
• Good condition spiked steel hand guard, with no major dents or bends. Like with the blade, most of the original finish on the outward face is missing, however there is still a good amount on the reverse side, especially inside the spikes.
• Leather scabbard marked JEWELL - 1918. Scabbard is in solid condition with leather still present, though the green finish has worn off, and the leather is stiff from age. The steel fittings have wear and dents from service.
• Standard pistol belt brass attachment hook
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.
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington
This product is not available for international shipping.
- Stored and shipped from our PA location; not available in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Please check all local laws before ordering.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
