Sold for $3,300
6.75" blackened double-edged spear point blade, 4.25" brass hilt, 11.75" in overall length including the hexagonal pommel cap. Blackened blade and brass hilt. Cast hilt reads "U.S. 1918/L.F&C-1918" cast into the obverse grip. Top of hilt stamped OSTC, the meaning of which is not known. Stamped sheet metal scabbard marked "L.F.&C./1918" at throat. Although produced too late to see combat in World War I, the American made Model 1918 knife remained in inventories into the World War II period and many saw use during the early days of that conflict before other more practical fighting knives like the M3 were adopted. These were particularly popular with the 82nd Airborne who were known to have carried them on their drops into North Africa and during the Sicilian and Italian campaigns. A very fine condition authentic example that retains most of the blackened finish with a scabbard that retains both prongs.
Very fine. Retains the large majority of the blackened finish on the blade which is in very fine, crisp condition. The hilt retains some strong traces of the thinning black finish with a rich dark bronze patina and the correct hexagonal capstan nut retains most of the blackening as well. The scabbard remains about very good to fine with scattered finish loss and some surface oxidation. It retains both prongs to attach it to the cartridge belt grommets and they show only minor bending. Otherwise scabbard presents with some dings and pushes. Overall a really fine condition set rarely found in such nice condition these days.