Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This excellent condition Model 1917 trench knife has a wood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and leather scabbard with standard GI Pistol belt hook attachment and even the original cardboard tube which was put over the blade before being issued!
The top of the guard is is nicely marked:
U.S.
L.F. & C.
1917
Landers, Frary, and Clark (L.F. & C.) began in 1853 as Landers & Smith Manufacturing Company, and in 1862 became known as Landers, Frary & Clark. They were in New Britain, Connecticut, and made a number of house hold items, as well as items for the military. They closed their doors in 1965.
Notable features of this example:
- Triangular 9" black steel blade. Blade has more than 80% of original finish, with runner marks and some wear to the point. The corners are still sharp, and it shows no signs of alteration or major damage.
- Very good condition wood grip. Has some wear and scratches, but a great color. There are no major cracks, chips, or dents. There is no play in the the crossguard or handle.
- Very good condition spiked steel hand guard, with no dents or bends we can see. There is some wear to the finish and light oxidation, but no major rust.
- Leather scabbard, which is faintly marked JEWELL 1918, with M.S....
- Standard pistol belt steel attachment hook, which still retains some of the original "blacked" finish.
Overall condition is very good. This knife is in wonderful condition and is welcomed into any Great War collection. Comes ready to display!
The first official U.S. trench knife adopted for service issue was the U.S. M1917 trench knife designed by Henry Disston & Sons, and based on examples of trench knives then in service with the French Army. The M1917 featured a triangular stiletto blade, wooden grip, metal knuckle guard, and a rounded pommel. The M1917 proved unsatisfactory in service, and a slightly improved version, the M1918, was adopted within months. Despite this, the M1918 is almost identical to the M1917, differing primarily in the construction and appearance of the knuckle guard. Usable only as stabbing weapons, the M1917 and M1918 frequently suffered broken blades. Their limited utility and general unpopularity caused the AEF to empanel a testing board in 1918 to test various trench knives and select a replacement.
Dimensions:
Blade length: 9”
Overall length: 14”
Scabbard length: 9 7/8"
Handguard: 4 1/2”x 5”
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This product is not available for international shipping.
- Prohibited and therefore not available for shipment to the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. Please check all local laws and restrictions before ordering.
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