This is a nice solid example of a World War One era Model 1918 Trench knife complete original scabbard manufactured by LF&C.  Like many 1918's, many went on to see considerable use during the WW2. This particular knife was issued to Bruce Daniel Bensinger (1923 to 2003) of the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion during World War 2.  This knife came directly from Bruce's grandson, Jacob, who has provided us with some history about Bruce's life. 

Mr. Bensinger had a life-long career serving his country in the US Military. He was born in Valley View, PA in 1923 and the eldest of 3 children.  He joined the Civilian Conservation Corps at 17, and subsequently, the US Army Air Corps on his 18th birthday.  After the US entered World War 2, Bruce volunteered for the 551st Parachute Infantry Battalion at Fort Benning, GA  where he was assigned to Hq. Co.  The 551st saw heavy action sustaining 80% casualties at the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes.  From what little I've read, I believe the Army disbanded of Bruce's unit in Feb. 1945 and survivors re-assigned to the 82nd Airborne.  Bruce saw service in Africa, Italy, France, Germany, and Panama.  After the war, he re-enlisted in the 3rd Battalion 16th Infantry Regiment 1st Division which was in Berlin, Germany during the Russian blockade and Berlin Airlift.  In 1948, he retired from the Army but re-joined in 1950 and went on to see assignments in Korea, Japan, Canada, Fort Churchill, and Kaiserslatuern, Germany. In 1966, Bruce started working at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds as a Mechanical Engineer Technician at the Ballistics Research Laboratory until his retirement in 1993. 

The knife is in Fine overall condition with the brass handle and skull-crusher are still showing about 50% of its original light and faded black finish. The knife is completely untouched having never been cleaned or polished.  Handle is marked U.S. 1918, "L.F & C -1918". The blade itself still has most of its original dull black finish and has never been altered or even sharpened. During his service, Bruce very lightly scratched the name "BEN", probably short for his last name of BENSINGER on the left side of the blade in tiny letters.  The scabbard has 60% original blackened finish remaining w/both belt hooks intact.  A very nice example with WW2 history.

Item# 0602

$695.00 SOLD