Original Item: Only One Available. This very nice condition Model 1917 trench knife has a wood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and replica leather scabbard with standard GI Pistol belt hook attachment.
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" steel blade, which is in good service used condition. A lot of the original finish has been worn away on one side of the blade, which also shows staining and oxidation. There is also some oxidation on the other two sides, though the tip is still intact.
• Very good condition wood grip. It does show some wear and past cleaning, but no cracks or major chips.
• Good condition spiked steel hand guard, with no major dents or bends. It does however show wear and oxidation, with loss of the finish on both the inside and out. The original finish is probably retained at 50%, mostly on the interior, with areas of oxidation.
Overall condition is very good, with a great patina of age. There is no play in the the crossguard or handle. A great addition to any military knife collection. It has been fitted with a very nice replica scabbard with simulated markings to complete the look.
Read to display!
Dimensions:
Blade length: 9”
Overall length: 14”
Scabbard length: 9 7/8"
Handguard: 4 1/2”x 5”
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.
