Original U.S. WWI/WWII Model 1918 Mark 1 Trench Knife by L. F. & C. in 1943-Dated M6 Sheath

Item DescriptionOriginal 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 markedU.S. 1918 L.F & C - 1918. This example was reissued for use during World War II, and housed in a very rare M6 leather sheath.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'.This example is held in a great 1943-dated leather M6 sheath, which is stamped under the 8-stapled throat:U.S. M6… CO.1943The maker's name has been scratched off, so we are unsure who the maker of the sheath was. It has the standard 8-staple throat, but the rest of the sheath is only constructed with rivets, stitching, and the double sided plate at the bottom. It does not have the staples that are placed on top of the stitching, so this is likely a clue as to the maker. The securing strap and snap are in very good order, and the belt hook is still in good shape as well. The edges of the sheath throat have been cut diagonally to better fit the M1918 trench knife. The back of the sheath body has been scratched with the initials S.L.L.. There is great wear on the sheath in places that confirm the knife has been with the sheath for a very long time. At the top where the belt hook is, there is wear from the pommel rubbing against it, and above the throat, there is heavy wear on the leather from where the crossguard sits.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 brass grip and knuckle guard blackening is retained very much, and the pommel appears seized in place, but that does tell you that the knife and hilt have always been together. Where the blackening is worn is a lovely aged brass dark patina. The steel dagger blade still has some of the original factory grind visible though the blade was most certainly cleaned, and much of the finish was worn away, with some scattered oxidation spotting and some scuffs near the ricasso. There are no nicks in the blade we can see.Overall this is a very nice example of the very popular and collectible World War I era US trench knife in a rare M6 sheath. 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 DaggerOverall length: 12'Guard: 4 1/2' long x 3 3/4' wideScabbard Length: 8 1/4' + belt loopShipping RestrictionsThis product is not available for shipping in US state(s): Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and WashingtonThis product is not available for international shipping.Payment OptionsNot eligible for payment with Paypal or AmazonLegal InformationStored and shipped from our PA location; not available in Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, and Washington. Please check all local laws before ordering.