Original Item: Only One Available. This is a strong original U.S. WWI Model 1918 Mark I Fighting Knife, commonly known as the Model 1918 trench knife, manufactured by Landers, Frary & Clark of New Britain, Connecticut and accompanied by its matching maker marked steel scabbard. The knife retains its distinctive cast brass knuckle guard, darkened finish, double edged dagger blade, and clearly legible U.S. 1918 L.F. & C. marking. The scabbard is likewise marked LF&C 1918 and has been repainted green, most likely during World War II. Both of its original belt attachment prongs are now missing.

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 & Sons (H.D. & S.) as well as Landers, Frary & Clark (L.F. & C.) 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.

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 are beautifully darkened and are marked U.S. 1918 L.F & C - 1918. The scabbard is marked LF&C 1918. The two hanging prongs are missing on this example, and the scabbard has been repainted in green, likely during the WWII period.

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 was purchased by General Electric in 1965.

The brass grip and knuckle guard blackening appears well-retained, with some scuffing and wear in spots. The steel dagger blade has good period wear with much of the finish retained, just runner wear and minor oxidation. The scabbard shows WWII repainting in green with both prongs now gone.

With its U.S. 1918 L.F. & C. marked brass knuckle grip, strong double edged blade, surviving darkened finish, matching LF&C 1918 steel scabbard, and apparent later military repaint, this is a particularly evocative example of one of the most recognizable American fighting knives of the World War era. The missing scabbard prongs and later paint are plainly visible, but the matching maker marks and strong overall presentation give the set substantial collector interest for a collection focused on U.S. WWI edged weapons, trench fighting equipment, L.F. & C. production, or American military knives that remained in service into WWII.

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”