This is a Mark 1 trench knife designed by Major James McNary of the United States Army Ordnance Department, American Expeditionary Forces, in France 1918. The knife has a blade measuring 6 3/4" and an overall length of 11 3/4". It utilizes a double edged dagger blade that can be used for thrusting and slashing strokes. The hilt is made of cast bronze and uses a conical steel nut to retain the blade. The nut, sometimes referred to as a "skull cracker", could be used to strike enemy soldiers without helmets. The hand grip of the hilt is similar to brass knuckles, having spikes cast into each bow of each knuckle. The spikes were intended to prevent enemy combatants from grabbing the knife hand. A guard was cast into the hilt to protect the soldiers hand during close in fighting. The blade was blued and has a black oxide finish. The hilt was chemically blackened to prevent any reflection during night operations. The hilt is stamped U.S. 1918/ L.F.&C - 1918, representing the manufacturers of Landers, Frary and Clark. This trench knife was used during World War I and on into World War II. Lee Marvin helped immortalize this iconic trench knife in the movie "The Big Red One". He was shown using it during World War I and World War II. The scabbards were made of steel and marked L.F.&C./1918. The scabbard was attached to the soldiers belt by the means of two frogs. This Mark 1 trench knife is in original, unissued condition. Most of the surviving Mark 1 knives no longer have the original black finish. If they are accompanied by a scabbard it usually is missing the frogs. This knife was issued mainly in 1942 and 1943 to Ranger and Airborne units as well as Marine Raider battalions. This knife and scabbard is shown as plate #276 and #278 in Frederick Stephens book, "Fighting Knives". If you collect fighting knives this one will definately add some pop to it! No upgrade ever needed for this one.

Item # AA991

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