Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife manufactured by Landers, Frary & Clark and later fitted with a custom leather scabbard of the type associated with WWII reuse. Its massive brass knuckle grip, double edged dagger blade, and dark aged patina, give this example the unmistakable appearance of a well used fighting knife that remained in service long after WWI.

The U.S. Model 1918 Mark I was the second major knuckle knife officially adopted by the United States military. It was developed for the brutal close quarters fighting associated with the trench warfare of the Western Front during the final phase of WWI. The pattern remained in American military inventories after the Armistice and continued to see use during WWII.

The Model 1918 Mark I is immediately recognizable by its cast brass grip and integral knuckle guard. This example measures 11 ¾ inches overall and is fitted with a 6 ¾ inch double edged dagger blade. The overall length with the scabbard is 12 inches.

The brass grip is clearly marked:

U.S. 1918
L.F. & C.
1918

The grip and knuckle guard retain a deeply aged, darkened appearance. Most of the original blackened finish is now absent. The handle shows heavy scuffing and denting along the spine, together with visible casting flaws and wear accumulated through handling and service.

The rounded crossguard has been cut down on both sides, giving it a more oval profile. This alteration appears to have been made so the knife would fit properly into the custom leather scabbard. Although no provenance accompanies the knife, the construction of the scabbard is similar to other substitute and theater made leather examples associated with the continued use of these knives during WWII.

The custom leather scabbard is fitted with a large hilt pad and a leather retaining strap that passes around the grip through the middle finger opening. The strap is now heavily cracked and crazed. Its snap remains present but no longer functions. Despite its age and condition, the scabbard fits the altered knife closely and forms an important part of this example’s long service appearance.

As originally issued, Model 1918 Mark I knives were entirely blackened, including both the blade and brass knuckle grip. They were originally carried in blued sheet steel scabbards, usually maker marked and fitted with wire hooks intended to engage the U.S. pistol belt. These steel scabbards were vulnerable to damage and loss, and many knives retained or reissued during WWII were carried in substitute leather scabbards of varied construction. Some were unit, field, or theater made.

The Model 1918 Mark I remained classified as limited standard, or secondary issue, through January 1945, when it was officially declared obsolete. Its continued availability during WWII accounts for the number of surviving knives found with later leather scabbards, modified guards, and other alterations made to keep them serviceable.

American made Model 1918 Mark I knives were produced by Henry Disston & Sons, Landers, Frary & Clark, and Oneida Community Ltd. French produced examples were also manufactured and are generally marked U.S. 1918 together with AU LION on the blade. Whether AU LION represented a maker’s mark or a motto has not been conclusively established.

Landers, Frary & Clark of New Britain, Connecticut, was established in 1865 and produced a broad variety of cutlery, household goods, tools, and appliances. Many of its commercial products were sold under the Universal trade name. The company’s output ranged from scales, mousetraps, and ice skates to electric ranges and toasters. During WWI, L.F. & C. also manufactured the triangular bladed U.S. Model 1917 Trench Knife. The company’s assets were acquired by General Electric in 1965.

This is a fair, heavily service used example of one of the most recognizable American fighting knives of the two World Wars. The clear L.F. & C. markings, original double edged blade, deeply patinated brass knuckle grip, cut down guard, and custom WWII era leather scabbard give it far more individual character than an untouched display example. It would make a dramatic centerpiece in a U.S. trench warfare, WWI fighting knife, WWII combat equipment, or American military edged weapons collection.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 3/4"
Blade Style: Double Edged
Overall length: 12”
Grip: 4 1/2" long x 3 3/4" wide
Scabbard Length: 7 ¾” + Belt Loop