{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-model-1918-french-made-mark-i-trench-knife-by-au-lion-with-reproduction-scabbard-1","title":"Original U.S. WWI Model 1918 French Made Mark I Trench Knife by AU LION with Reproduction Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very fine example of a French Made Au Lion 1918 Trench Knife with a Reproduction steel scabbard. These are one of the most sought after military issue knives out there.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife was the second major \"Knuckle Knife\" to be officially adopted and issued to the US military. It was developed for use in the horrific trench warfare that typified the stalemate on the Western Front during the latter part of World War One and saw use not only there, but during World War Two as well. The knife was manufactured in the United States by Henry Disston \u0026amp; Sons (H.D. \u0026amp; S.) as well as Landers, Frary \u0026amp; Clark (L.F. \u0026amp; C.) and Oneida Community Ltd (O.C.L.).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe knives were also produced in France and are marked with the usual 1918 and US marks, as well as Au Lion on the blade. In order to save time in getting the new knife to troops in the field, the first Mark I trench knives were procured from a French manufacturer, Au Lion (Au Lion\/Société Générale, France). Whether this mark was a maker's mark or simply a motto is not known. The U.S. M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife is easily identifiable due to its large \"brass knuckle\" style guard and grip. The knives were 11 ¾\" in overall length, with a 6 ¾\" dagger style blade. The brass grips were marked U.S. 1918 and with the makers name or initials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe example of the U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife offered here is in fantastic service-used condition. The knife is one of the French made examples which are usuallly marked on the reverse ricasso with a\u003cstrong\u003e \"(Reclining Lion) \/ AU LION\"\u003c\/strong\u003e. The blade mark is about 10% retained, with only the lion’s head now visible. Normally, this marking is on the same side as the grip marking, but on this example the blade has been flipped. This brass grip of the knife is clearly marked: \u003cstrong\u003eU. S. 1918\u003c\/strong\u003e. As is usually the case with the AU LION marked knives, the cast brass grip is rougher and cruder than the US made versions, with some verdigris residue as shown. As is also typical of the French made knives, the knuckle points are also less defined and not as sharp as the US made knives. It also looks like the top of the crossguard was sanded down a bit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blades of most of the AU LION knives were produced in the white, with no finish on the blade. The blade on this example has some rough wear, very heavy sharpening on all sides. The reproduction steel scabbard is in good condition and makes for a good display with this original knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall this is a fine example of the very popular and collectible World War I era US trench knife. The knife is 100% original and the scabbard is reproduction, and would make a fantastic addition to any military edged weapons collection. These brass D guard knuckle knives always make a great centerpiece to any military knife display and certainly draw attention due to their size and fierce appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 6 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Double Edged Dagger\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 11 1\/2“\u003cbr\u003eGuard: 4\" long x 3 3\/4\" wide\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 7 ¼\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45222222135365,"sku":"ONSV26MFD047","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/E6CB8D72-93A9-4EF9-81D9-A4F274901CDA.jpg?v=1782499681","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-model-1918-french-made-mark-i-trench-knife-by-au-lion-with-reproduction-scabbard-1","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}