Original Item: Only One Available. 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 U.S. M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife is easily identifiable due to its large "brass knuckle" style guard and grip. The knives were 11 ¾" in overall length, with a 6 ¾" dagger style blade. The brass grips were marked U.S. 1918 and with the maker's name or initials.
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. 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", however in this case its use was a bit different.
This example of the U.S. Model 1918 MkI Trench Knife was modified in WWII for paratrooper use, and reissued. The knife was originally 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. This Mark I Trench Knife is clearly marked in two lines in the brass grip:
U. S. 1918
L. F. & C - 1918
The brass grip and knuckle guard no longer have any of the original finish, but instead a nice brass patina. The grip was also modified, having the cross guard arsenal cut down, giving it a slimmer profile, which also made it less likely to catch on rigging. The steel dagger blade is smooth and has been cleaned numerous times, as well as sharpened (it is still quite sharp!). The handle itself is also extremely smooth and rounded from extreme cleaning and polishing.
The steel scabbard is in very good condition with one prong missing. The scabbard is clearly marked on the rear, near the throat:
L. F. & C
1918
The scabbard is complete and original and retains both of the original web belt mounting prongs, a very rare occurrence with these scabbards. Usually one or both of the prongs is broken or missing. The scabbard retains about 30% of its original chemical blued finish. The balance of the scabbard shows a plum brown patina, mixed with some patches of light surface oxidation and minor roughness. The scabbard is amazingly free of dents or dings. Usually these scabbards show significant denting and damage from use.
Overall this is a very nice example of a very popular and collectible World War I and World War II era US trench knife. The knife and scabbard are 100% complete and original, and would make a fantastic addition to any military edged weapons collection. 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: 11 5/8“
Guard: 4 1/2" long x 3 3/4" wide
Scabbard Length: 7 1/8"
