Description
Product Description: This 1917 US Trench Knife is a great representative example of this desirable and popular fighting knife. It’s a typical piece of this type, produced by LF&C (Landers, Frary, & Clark, in New Britain, Connecticut). The blade retains most of the original dark bluing, with some mild rust spots near the guard. The handle shows wear and age, with a moderate patina on the steel knuckle guard. The handle is marked and dated “US LF&C 1917” under the guard. The wood grip is intact with scattered small marks and age patina. This 1917 US Trench Knife is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard drag and throat fitting show patina that matches the handle perfectly. The scabbard leather is intact and still pliable. There is a slight wiggle at the throat fitting rivets but everything remains complete and sound. This trench knife has outstanding character, with a “been there” look. It displays great and is in excellent condition.
Historical Description: The first official U.S. trench knife adopted for service issue was the U.S. M1917 trench knife. It was designed by Henry Disston & Sons and based off examples of trench knives that were in service with the French Army at that time. 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.
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