This is an excellent example of a WWI US Manufactured M1917 Mark I Trench Knife. These were the early war expedient version that used a stamped steel knuckle guard with a wooden handle and a 9" cruciform blade. The later model used a brass cast handle with a flat blade. These were produced by Landers, Frary, & Clark Company commonly shortened to the "LF&C" company. The blade is not marked and has been correctly blackened or dark blued with the front of the guard marked "U.S. / LF&C, / 1917". The scabbard is the standard leather version with the metal belt hanger and double belt loop on the top and steel tip at the bottom. Many of these knives found their way into the early part of WWII.

The blade itself is in excellent condition with 98% +of the original blade and knuckle guard, the wooden handle has some minor nicks and light pressure dents from handling and light use. The scabbard is in fair to good condition with the steel ends both browning out completely. The leather scabbard has turned dark black from age with some heavy scratches and gouges overall with tight stitching. The blade, handle and guard all could use a good general cleaning and oiling which would dramatically improve the overall look.