Original U.S. WWI M1917 Knuckle Duster Trench Knife with Reproduction Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This good service-used condition Model 1917 trench knife has a wood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and reproduction 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 household items, as well as items for the military. They closed their doors in 1965.

This example has some wear and scratching across the knuckles and guard, which certainly hurts the finish. The blade is in good condition, with about 80% of the original finish. The wood grip is still in great shape with a few scuff marks as shown. The scabbard is a rather crude reproduction, and it is not tight to the knife, falling off without much force. A good example, ready for further research and 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: 8 7/8”
Overall length: 14”
Reproduction Scabbard length: 10 3/8"
Handguard: 4 1/2”x 5”