AMERIKANISCH BAJONETT, U.S. M1918 MK 1 TRENCH KNIFE DOLCH
Landers, Clark and Frary 1918 pattern "Knuckle knife". It replaced the US Model 1917 "Knuckle-Duster" Trench Knife in 1918. Trench knives were very effective close-combat weapons.
Origin: USA.
Length 28,7 cm.
Blade: Straight double-edged blade with pronounced middle ridge. Illegible stamp (?) on ricasso. Length of the blade 16,3 cm, width 21,3 mm.
Hilt: The hilt is entirely of cast-brass, with the exception of the pommel-cap which is a cap-nut with a sharp conical tip. The "knuckle-duster" grip is rectangular in shape with four finger-holes; each hole has a raised-point on the outer surface of each finger-hole. Cast bronze made guard and knuckle-duster handguard. Pointed steel skull-cracker pommel. Marked on one side of the grip: U.S. 1918 and the manufacturer's name: L.F.&C. (Landers, Frary, and Clark) with production year (partially damaged) 1918.
Scabbard: missing.
Condition report: blade with patina and some pitting from corrosion. Brass hilt with patina, spots, scratches. Iron pommel with patina, rust, pitting and scratches.