The knife was known as the Model 1880 Hunting Knife, and this was changed to the Model 1890 Entrenching Knife. The Model 1890 had U.S./1892 on the side opposite Springfield/Armory.
Yes, Johnny's correct but I always thought of it as a fighting knife. I believe it was on military issue, not civilian. I just didn't think it was worth editing my post to split hairs. But Johnny, I thought the entrenching tool was a bit different...different shape to it. Got any pics?
So I can't spell, so what!!!
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Yes, Johnny's correct but I always thought of it as a fighting knife. I believe it was on military issue, not civilian. I just didn't think it was worth editing my post to split hairs. But Johnny, I thought the entrenching tool was a bit different...different shape to it. Got any pics?
There was an intrenching tool issued around 1880 that had a wide 8" blade, but it had little use other than digging a hole. The Model 1880 Hunting Knife gave the trooper an intrenching tool that could at least be used for something else. I don't believe the edge was even sharpened on the 1880 knife. The knife itself was not changed with the 1890 model, just the designation.
Yes, the knife is mine. Let a friend talk me out of it several years back, and just recently bought it back.
The scabbard originally had a leather loop to go over the cartridge belt, but most were modified with the brass hook. In the picture you can see the remnants of the Watervliet Arsenal stamp in the leather. The hook is marked Watervliet Arsenal on the back.
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Originally Posted by 
