Original U.S. WWI Navy Commander Named Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife by L. F. & C. with Matching Steel Scabbard & Au Lion Hilt - Commander Hugo Isak Cairen
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Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. 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. The scabbard is marked LF&C 1918. The two hanging prongs are missing on this example, and there is oxidation to the blade and scabbard.
This is overall a very interesting and service-worn example of the Model 1918 Mark I trench knife. This example has an L.F.&C. Blade and scabbard, while the hilt is an Au Lion example. However, the owner stamped “L.F.&C.” on the backstrap of the hilt. On the side opposite the “U.S. 1918” is the stamped name H.I. CAIREN. The only match for this named was Navy Commander Hugo Isak Cairen, born in Finland in 1896 and having served on the sea most of his life.
Cairen was a seaman during World War I, serving as a Mercantile Marine under his original name, Hugo Cairenius, serving aboard several vessels. He served the sea during the inter-war period and during World War II was a Naval Officer. After the war in December 1945, he was Commander of the USS Stokes. We are unsure when he would’ve used this knife, it could’ve been any time from the end of WWI to WWII, but the stamping is period and this was certainly his. We are unsure if it was him who had the blade switched, or if that was done at a depot during WWII.
The blade now shows oxidation spotting and is still tight to the hilt. The hilt is heavily darkened in spots with a great patina overall.
The blade and scabbard 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.
Overall this is a fair extremely well-used named 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.
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 3/8”
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