I need a WWI trench knife expert - barn find

[elginrunner]

I bought a truck load of stuff out of a barn/out buildings from a farm. Same old story, he has alzheimers, and they are moving to FL to be by the kids. So no back story on this or any of the other things I got. I do know he used to frequent auctions... so there is that. Anyway it was a rusty mess, and I put ballistol on it and scrubbed it with a nylon bristle brush (like in a m16 kit). That's all I have done. I know it's a American Cutlery company, but how common is it? I've read where it's rare, and in another article, it's common as dirt......I figured with all the military historians (amateur or otherwise) on here, Someone would know.... I have read enough on spotting reproductions to think it is the real deal....

https://i.postimg.cc/Gpv42c2B/IMG-20210404-090939.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/Dw9WnW2k/IMG-20210404-091005.jpg (https://postimages.org/)
https://i.postimg.cc/VLN0RQ7T/IMG-20210404-091053.jpg (https://postimg.cc/HjfLYK14)
https://i.postimg.cc/JzDyf3C5/IMG-20210404-091034.jpg (https://postimg.cc/LJS6f1XJ)

[wbbh]

Bernard Levine is the man to ask.

Link to Bernard Levine's Knife Collecting & Identification:

https://www.bladeforums.com/forums/bernard-levines-knife-collecting-identification.691/

The same knife, with a scabbard for sale:

https://www.ima-usa.com/products/original-u-s-wwi-m1917-trench-knife-by-american-cutlery-co-with-dated-scabbard?variant=30705844584517

[10-x]

Yep, 1917 stamped guard. Try a Kroil soaked rag on it for couple weeks. Missing sheath? In the collecting hobby pretty common, gave both mine( like yours and pyramid type) to son and grandson. Kept 1 brass handle one.

[Geezer in NH]

Don't try selling on the bay you will get tossed of as it is forbidden (tri-blade) it is also illegal in most of the usual states ie MA NJ CA etc.

Nice find!!!!!![smilie=w:[smilie=w:

[10-x]

Here you are, from Coles book.280829280830

[LUCKYDAWG13]

Congrats that's pretty cool

[elginrunner]

It is very cool, and oiling it is all I will do to it. I really like it, but I know it will just end up in box somewhere (we are about to move). That printed page states it is one of two of the most common, so it's probably not worth much. Thank you 10x for scanning that and posting the image!!

[10-x]

Remove rust with Kroil, see how pitted it is. Without sheath and decent condition might get about $100, sheaths are just about impossible to find. As mentioned, cant sell on fleabay but here and gunbroker might do ok. Gun show where militaria is sold would be good idea.

[Minerat]

Just FYI knives do not meet the rules for sale in S&S.
From the S&S rules.


Casting tools, equipment, & accessories.
Reloading tools, equipment, & accessories.
Firearms, Firearm Parts, related firearm tools, equipment & accessories. (No commercial sales of firearms allowed)
Ammunition (including factory loaded), components, and accessories.
Machines, machine tools, equipment & accessories as long as it is related to casting, reloading, and gun smithing.
Books related to the above subjects.
Hunting related optics, Binoculars, Spotting scopes and Range finders.

Any items posted for sale which is not in the categories above will be deleted.

But that is a cool find!:2_high5:

[ShooterAZ]

Guys, please DON'T post offers to buy on this thread!

[10-x]

No offer to buy, just idea what he may get. So cant sell knives here?

[abunaitoo]

Nice find.
Never was a knife collector, but do like unusual stuff like that.

[MrWolf]

Huh, no sharpened edge, looks like a stuck bullet remover to me :groner: Nice find. Good luck.
Ron

[elginrunner]

I wonder how many were used to open oil cans "back in the day"... LOL

[10-x]

3 sided “ blades” stabs were/ are harder to fix, reason for 3 pointed bayonets and this trench knife. The “ huns” in WWI had a fit over these.

[BJK]

It's still pretty neat even it it is a bit large for it's intended use as a toothpick. :wink: