Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent original U.S. Model 1918 Mark I trench knife manufactured by Landers, Frary & Clark, complete with its correctly maker-marked steel scabbard. The Model 1918 Mark I was the second major American “knuckle knife” officially adopted for military service and was developed for the close-quarters conditions of trench warfare during the final period of the First World War. Although introduced too late to see widespread use before the Armistice, the pattern remained in U.S. military inventories for decades and continued to see secondary service during WWII.

The U.S. M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife is easily identifiable due to its large "brass knuckle" style guard and grip. This knife is 11 ¾" in overall length, with a 6 ¾" dagger style blade. The overall length with scabbard is 12”. The brass grips were beautifully darkened and are marked U.S. 1918 L.F & C - 1918. The scabbard is marked LF&C 1918. Both of the two hanging prongs are still fully intact as shown, very rare to see, but the scabbard body has paint loss and minor oxidation spotting. The prongs are bent upward as shown. The blade retains remnants of the black finish with wear towards the tip and from runner wear. There are some very minor edge nicks in the blade, with good period sharpening.

As originally issued, the knives were entirely blackened; both the blades and the brass knuckle hilts. These knives remained in use with the US military, classified as limited standard (secondary issue) through January of 1945, when the knives were officially classified as obsolete. As originally issued, the knives were carried in a blued sheet steel scabbard that was typically maker marked, and was equipped with a pair of wire tabs that were intended to engage the US pistol web belt in use at that time. Many of the knives issued during World War II ended up in substitute leather scabbards of various designs and styles, many of which were "theater made".

The knife was produced by the Landers, Frary & Clark company of New Britain, CT. L.F. & C. was established in 1865 and produced a wide variety of housewares, cutlery and event appliances. Many of their products were marketed under the trade name "Universal". The products of L.F. & C. included everything from scales, mousetraps and ice skates to electric ranges and toasters. L.F. & C. also produced the triangular blade US M-1917 Trench Knife as well. The assets of the L.F. & C. company were purchased by General Electric in 1965.

The original blackened finish on the brass grip and knuckle guard has worn a bit along the edges, revealing a rich, naturally aged dark brass patina that adds tremendous character. The blade is still tight to the hilt.

This example is particularly desirable for the combination of its clearly marked L.F. & C. grip, correspondingly marked steel scabbard, both surviving hanging prongs, tight blade, and substantial remnants of the original blackened finish. The visible sharpening, minor blade wear, scabbard oxidation, and aged brass surfaces are consistent with an original service-used example and together preserve the distinctive character of one of the most recognizable American fighting knives of the First World War.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 3/4"
Blade Style: Double Edged Dagger
Overall length: 12”
Guard: 4 1/2" long x 3 3/4" wide
Scabbard Length: 7 ⅛”