Original U.S. WWI Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife by L. F. & C. with Quality Reproduction Scabbard

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 knives were also produced in France and are marked with the usual 1918 and US marks, as well as Au Lion on the blade. Whether this mark was a maker's mark or simply a motto is not known.

The U.S. M-1918 Mark I Trench Knife is easily identifiable due to its large "brass knuckle" style guard and grip. This knife is 11 ¾" in overall length, with a 6 ¾" dagger style blade. The overall length with scabbard is 12”. The brass grips are beautifully darkened and are marked U.S. 1918 L.F & C - 1918. The scabbard on this example is a reproduction L.F&C marked scabbard, which matches the knife very well.

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. As originally issued, the knives were carried in a blued sheet steel scabbard that was typically maker marked, and was equipped with a pair of wire tabs that were intended to engage the US pistol web belt in use at that time. 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".

The knife was 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

As with most we see, the blackening on the handle has been heavily worn away, with a fair amount retained in the recessed areas such as between the knuckle spikes. It is about 50% retained overall. The blade also has some oxidation in spots, but appears to have had some sort of lacquer applied. There are some small nicks in the edge of the blade, and the lacquer is starting to come of with the removal of the scabbard.

Overall this is a very nice example of the very popular and collectible World War I era US trench knife. 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. The reproduction steel scabbard is in good condition and makes for a good display with this original knife. Ready for further research and display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 6 3/4"
Blade Style: Double Edged Dagger
Overall length: 11 1/2“
Guard: 4" long x 3 3/4" wide