Original Item: Only One Available. This very good condition Model 1917 trench knife has a wood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and leather scabbard with standard GI Pistol belt hook attachment.
The top of the guard is is nicely marked:
U.S.
L.F. & C.
1917
Landers, Frary, and Clark (L.F. & C.) began in 1853 as Landers & Smith Manufacturing Company, and in 1862 became known as Landers, Frary & Clark. They were in New Britain, Connecticut, and made a number of house hold items, as well as items for the military. They closed their doors in 1965.
Notable features of this example:
• Triangular 8 1/2" steel blade. This blade definitely shows use and wear, with only a bit of the original finish remaining. There is some rust pitting in areas, and the tip may have broken off at some point, and a new tip was ground into place, as shown.
• Good condition wood grip. It does show wear and some staining and cracking. The wear is consistent with the use showed by the rest of the knife.
• Good condition spiked steel hand guard, with no major dents or bends. It has a good deal of the original finish, though there is oxidation in areas.
• Leather scabbard, which is marked JEWELL - 1918. Scabbard is in good condition with nice leather that still has some of the original finish. The leather is dryed out though, and the end fittings show a lot of finish wear from use.
• Standard pistol belt brass attachment hook, though the finish has worn to a brass patina.
Overall condition is very good, with no play in the the crossguard or handle. A great addition to any military knife collection. Read to display!
The first official U.S. trench knife adopted for service issue was the U.S. M1917 trench knife designed by Henry Disston & Sons, and based on examples of trench knives then in service with the French Army. 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.
