Original Item: Only One Available. This excellent 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 household 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 less than 30% of original finish, with runner marks and some minor wear to the point. The corners are still sharp, and it shows no signs of alteration or major damage.

- Very good condition wood grip. Has some wear and scratches, but a great color. There are no major cracks, chips, or dents. There is no play in the crossguard or handle.

- Very good condition spiked steel hand guard, with a minor bend in the shape. There is some wear to the finish and light oxidation, but no major rust.

- Leather scabbard, which is very faintly marked JEWELL, with M.S. stamped on the throat. Unfortunately the lower portion is missing completely from the scabbard.

- Standard pistol belt steel attachment hook, which still retains some of the original "blacked" finish.

Overall condition is very nice. This knife is in wonderful condition and is welcomed into any Great War collection. Comes ready 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.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 9”
Overall length: 14”
Scabbard length: 7 ½"
Handguard: 4 1/2”x 5”