Original U.S. WWI WWII “North Africa” Model 1918 Mark I Trench Knife by L. F. & C. with Au Lion Blade & Captured & Cut-Down German K98 Bayonet 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 brass grips are darkened and are marked U.S. 1918 L.F & C - 1918 on one side, and the other side has NORTH AFRICA inscribed with dots. The blade of this example is a replaced example from an Au Lion produced Mark I. The scabbard is a German K98 bayonet scabbard which was crudely and hastily cut-down for use on this knife.

Because a French-made Au Lion blade was put into an LF&C hilt, the parts are not entirely compatible, and the skullcrusher nut is now stripped, and will come out if pulled on. The skullcrusher itself is also heavily worn down. Despite this, this knife still appears as field-modified, and the NORTH AFRICA on the handle is period-done.

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". This is one of those theater-made examples made from a German K98 bayonet scabbard.

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.

The scabbard is marked 370 / b, the German serial number. The end of the scabbard is crudely cut and very ugly.

A very interesting field-modified Mark I trench knife, ready for further research and display.