Original Item: Only One Available. This very good condition Model 1917 trench knife has a wood handle, triangular stiletto blade, and comes with both the damaged original scabbard, and one of our high quality reproduction scabbards.

The top of the guard is is nicely marked:

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 9" black steel blade. Blade has more than 80% of original finish, with runner marks and some wear to the point.
• Very good condition wood grip. Has some wear and scratches, but a great color.
• Original Leather scabbard marked JEWELL - 1918 with steel throat marked: M.S. Scabbard is unfortunately missing the bottom 3 inches of the scabbard, including the bottom fitting. Still has standard pistol belt brass attachment hook.
• Replica Leather scabbard also marked JEWELL -1918 to safely protect the original dagger.

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.