Combat in World War One was a mixture of horrors: long distance artillery, aerial bombardment, poison gas and machine gun fire, along with close-up and personal hand-to-hand fighting straight out of the middle ages. A variety of simple, primitive, but effective weapons were devised for trench fighting, including spiked clubs and fighting knives. Americans struggled to catch up when we entered the war. Even the first issue American knives were produced by a French maker and marked “Au Lion.” This one follows that “Au Lion” style blade with a wide, double-edged spear-point shape extending from a long, narrow ricasso. Mounted on top of the pommel, however, is a US “Flying Eagle” penny dated 1858, indicating we are looking at something devised by or intended for American troops.

This example is 12 inches overall with an 8-inch blade that has a median ridge with smooth gray metal and a good edge and point. There are a some scattered deeper gray spots and a couple of small handling dings on the central ridge on either side of the blade near the base, which also shows some signs of having been cleaned at some point. The cylindrical leather grip is fully intact. The narrow oval counterguard is present and tight. On top of the guard flat, rectangular iron branches extend upward and curve in to the ricasso. Two, on the sides, are short. Two in line with the blade are more open and would act as finger rings, like the “pas-d’anes” on an eighteenth-century small sword, to steady the blade in a thrust. The full leather scabbard is present and in good condition, but lacks a belt loop. By their very primitive looks, trench weapons make a telling display. This one was likely a private purchase and would be a good addition to a World War One collection.  [sr]

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