This is a Model 1917 Trench knife.  It was manufactured by Landers, Frary, and Clark Co. of New Britain Connecticut aka LF&C.  LF&C manufactured a wide variety of household products from 1862 until the company was bought by General Electric in 1965. For over a century, the Company manufactured a variety of products from Coffee Percolators and Grinders to roller skates and mouse traps.  During World War One, LF&C turned turned away from commercial production to military products.  The US Models 1917 and 1918 trench knives were only a couple of the many products LF&C Co. manufactured for the American Expeditionary Forces that were headed to France.  

This knife is in fine condition overall still retaining about 80% of its original blackened finish over the steel guard and blade.  The handguard is perfectly straight with no bends or repairs and marked "U.S. L.F. & C. 1917".   The triangular blade has never been re-sharpened and retains its original sharp edges. The wooden grip is in excellent condition retaining all of its original finish with no very little wear.  The leather scabbard is in good condition overall with most of the original green painted finish on the leather and blackened finish on the end caps. The leather is getting a bit worn in spots and slightly loose around the brass rivets.    A nice example of a First World War American Trench Knife.

Item# 0687

SOLD