December 7th Militaria and Aviation Auction
Lot 119:
Description
World War I era U.S. Trench Dagger, specifically identified as the Model 1917 M17 Trench Knife, a brutal and essential close-combat weapon used by American forces on the Western Front. The knife is characterized by its menacing design, featuring a long, tapering stiletto-style blade with a black finish, optimized for thrusting. The most distinctive feature is the handle, which incorporates a large, single knuckle guard made of black-finished steel that is studded along the bottom edge with menacing pyramid-shaped spikes, designed to be used as a brass knuckle weapon. The grip itself is made of darkly finished, contoured wood, secured beneath a substantial crossguard. The dagger is complete with its original metal scabbard painted in a dark, likely olive drab, finish and retains its metal throat and tip, with an attachment loop for securing it to the belt. This official issue M17 Trench Knife is a quintessential trench warfare artifact and a rare survival, making it a premium piece of authentic World War I militaria.
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