{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-model-1918-mark-i-trench-knife-by-l-f-c-with-reproduction-steel-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. WWI Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife by L. F. \u0026 C. with Reproduction Steel Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. The 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 \u003cstrong\u003eLanders, Frary \u0026amp; Clark (L.F. \u0026amp; C.)\u003c\/strong\u003e and Oneida Community Ltd (O.C.L.). The knives were also produced in France and are marked with the usual 1918 and US marks, as well as Au Lion on the blade. Whether this mark was a maker's mark or simply a motto is not known.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 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 maker's name or initials.\u003cbr\u003eAs 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\".\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis example of the U.S. Model 1918 MkI Trench Knife is offered in excellent condition, and is fitted with a REPRODUCTION steel scabbard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe knife was produced by the \u003cem\u003eLanders, Frary \u0026amp; Clark\u003c\/em\u003e company of New Britain, CT. L.F. \u0026amp; 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. \u0026amp; C. included everything from scales, mousetraps and ice skates to electric ranges and toasters. L.F. \u0026amp; C. also produced the triangular blade US M-1917 Trench Knife as well. The assets of the L.F. \u0026amp; C. company were purchased by General Electric in 1965. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis Mark I Trench Knife is clearly marked in two lines in the brass grip:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eU. S. 1918\u003cbr\u003eL. F \u0026amp; C - 1918\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike most that we see, the blackening on the handle is still mostly present, particularly in the recessed areas, with the corners of the design showing wear through. The blade also still retains the blued finish very well, though we can see that it has had some sharpening, and is now about 1\/8\" shorter than originally as issued. It looks to have been sharpened and then had a the edge reblued. The blade is currently \u003cstrong\u003eVERY SHARP\u003c\/strong\u003e, and should be handled with care. There is no wobble present, though we did note that the end of the \"skull crusher\" nut has been flattened by hitting it against something.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall this is a very nice example of the very popular and collectible World War I era US trench knife. 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. The reproduction steel scabbard is in brand new condition and makes for a good display with this original knife. Ready for further research and display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 6 5\/8\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Double Edged Dagger\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 11 1\/4“\u003cbr\u003eGuard: 4\" long x 3 3\/4\" wide\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45303955947589,"sku":"ONAC25274","price":1695.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/6DCB0D66-27B8-4335-8436-0D1D811BA125.jpg?v=1783371972","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-model-1918-mark-i-trench-knife-by-l-f-c-with-reproduction-steel-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}