{"product_id":"original-u-s-wwi-service-worn-model-1918-mark-i-trench-knife-by-l-f-c-with-l-f-c-steel-scabbard","title":"Original U.S. WWI Service-Worn Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife by L. F. \u0026 C. with L. F. \u0026 C. Steel Scabbard","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very fine service-worn example of the famous U.S. \u003cstrong\u003eModel 1918 Mark I Trench Knife\u003c\/strong\u003e, manufactured in France under American contract and bearing the desirable \u003cstrong\u003eAU LION\u003c\/strong\u003e reclining-lion trademark on the blade. It retains its characteristic cast brass knuckle grip marked \u003cstrong\u003eU.S. 1918 \u003c\/strong\u003eand is accompanied by an American-made \u003cstrong\u003eL.F. \u0026amp; C. 1918 steel scabbard\u003c\/strong\u003e, now missing both belt prongs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Model 1918 Mark I was developed during the final year of WWI as a purpose-built fighting knife for close combat. To speed delivery to the American Expeditionary Forces, early examples were procured from the French firm associated with the \u003cstrong\u003eAU LION\u003c\/strong\u003e trademark before American production followed. French examples are readily distinguished by their reclining lion blade marking, rougher brass grip casting, and several small construction differences from later U.S.-made versions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe example of the U.S. Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife offered here is in very good service-used condition. The knife is one of the French made examples which is marked on the reverse ricasso with a\u003cstrong\u003e (Reclining Lion) \/ AU LION\u003c\/strong\u003e. The blade mark is only about 5% retained, with only the very top of the lion’s head visible. This brass grip of the knife is clearly marked: \u003cstrong\u003eU. S. 1918\u003c\/strong\u003e. As is usually the case with the AU LION marked knives, the cast brass grip is rougher and cruder than the US made versions, with some verdigris residue as shown. As is also typical of the French made knives, the knuckle points are also less defined and not as sharp as the US made knives. There may have been some sanding done to all sides of the hilt.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe French made grips are cast with a variety of minor differences, and this one is cast without the two grooves along the top edge of the grip. The brass knuckle grip has a lovely brass color with a heavy amount of patina, and spots of oxidation \u0026amp; verdigris. The “skullcrusher” pommel cap is fairly oxidized and is not currently movable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blades of most of the AU LION knives were produced in the white, with no finish on the blade. There is some moderate oxidation spotting as shown, but no visible edge nicks! There is minor sharpening along the edge as shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel scabbard is marked \u003cstrong\u003eLF\u0026amp;C 1918\u003c\/strong\u003e over the throat. Both of the belt prongs are now gone, and there is some oxidation in spots across it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe combination of the \u003cstrong\u003eFrench AU LION blade, heavily worn reclining-lion trademark, U.S. 1918 ungrooved brass knuckle grip, aged patina and verdigris, fixed skullcrusher pommel, full-profile double-edged blade, and L.F. \u0026amp; C. 1918 steel scabbard \u003c\/strong\u003emakes this a strong representative example of the Model 1918 Mark I. The possible hilt sanding, blade oxidation and sharpening, fixed pommel, scattered scabbard corrosion, and missing belt prongs are the principal condition issues, while the scarce French manufacture and correctly marked American scabbard remain its defining collector features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSpecifications:\u003cbr\u003eBlade Length: 6 3\/4\"\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Double Edged Dagger\u003cbr\u003eOverall length: 11 1\/2“\u003cbr\u003eGuard: 4\" long x 3 3\/4\" wide\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 7 ⅛”\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46187662868549,"sku":"ONJR26OCAS006","price":1395.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/9AA8EBC4-3B30-4093-96DB-718B07F0470C.jpg?v=1793310370","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-u-s-wwi-service-worn-model-1918-mark-i-trench-knife-by-l-f-c-with-l-f-c-steel-scabbard","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}