*Landers, Frary and Clark American WWI trench/knuckle knife, M1 1918, with knuckle duster, Maker and WD marked.*
This US 1918 Trench Knife is a great and rare find. The handle is marked “U.S. 1918” and is maker marked “L.F.&C. 1918″ indicating manufacture by Landers, Frary amd Clark. The grip also has WD and the war arrows stamped. 6.5” blade. Cast brass handle with integral knuckleduster, and a double edged blade.
The brutal conditions of the First World War necessitated new weapons that were well suited for the realities of trench warfare, including hand to hand combat. The first dedicated close combat weapon created for American soldiers was the M1917 trench knife. This knife was designed by the firm of Henry Disston and Sons, and was based on weapons developed by the French military over the previous years of war. The knife featured a metal knuckle guard that was adorned with spikes, and had a triangular blade that was useful as a stabbing weapon only. A nearly identical, slightly improved version of this knife, designated the M1918, was introduced within months. The blade of these weapons was regarded as flimsy, and proved unsatisfactory in combat; testing for a new knife began in June 1918, and this led to the development of the Mark I trench knife. This knife had a cast brass handle with integral knuckleduster, and a double edged blade that could be used for slashing or stabbing. The grips were all marked “U.S. 1918” along with a manufacture marking. Makers of these knives in the USA were Henry Disston & Sons (H.D. & S.), Landers, Frary & Clark (L.F. & C.) and Oneida Community Ltd (O.C.L.). There was also a French made version of this knife, which was marked “Au Lion” on the blade. The Mark I trench knife was replaced in 1942 with the M3 knife, and was officially declared obsolete in 1945.
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.
*Condition*
This knife is in excellent condition. Minor tarnishing to blade and some small pitting on grip. The brass grip and knuckle guard have lost most of their original blackened finish, which has faded and worn, to a lovely un-cleaned deep, bronze patina. The blackened steel dagger blade is smooth and retains much of the original blackened finish, with some minor fading and wear, there is no pitting on the blade. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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