'03 Springfield Picture of the Day-101st & Knuckle Duster Knife

The M1918 Mark I Trench Knife arrived too late in the war to have any effectiveness - in fact there is some debate as to whether any American made Mark I's even saw combat in the first war. The French version made by Au Lion definitely did see action in WWI. WW2 was different. The US entered the war with only one issued knife, a parachutist's jump knife. US Armed Forces seemed to keep forgetting that knives are necessary in war. The Mark I was issued to paratroopers and Army Rangers in WW2 as well as many other soldiers. The McNary pattern was widely used in WWII and up to the Vietnam War.

Original Manufacturers

The original manufacturers of this knife were Au Lion in France and Landers, Frary and Clark (L,C&F) in America. They were one of the largest manufacturers of kitchen and camping goods from about 1880 to 1965 when they went out of business. It was also manufactured by US firms H.D.S., or O.C.L

When it became clear that many more combat knives were needed, it was decided to design a more modern knife that didn't use brass or bronze since this metal was expensive and in short supply.

Therefore, the US Mark 3 combat knife was designed and issued and the era of Combat Knuckle Knives faded out.

CapnJohn,Would you have any info on knuckles minus the blade?I have one that was given to me as a youngster.It was part of my neighbors bring home gear.He was in the Mexican Campaign and WW1.There are no martial markings.I did notice on the History channel,file footage of Airborne troops in the hedge rows during the invasion.One had the same knuckles attached to the front of his web harness. Often wondered if they were issued!

http://www.donrearic.com/brassknuckles.html

also the book by David Grant.

Google, for a tremendous amount of info!!

Happy hunting!
John

Thanks for the links!

My Dad was issued one in 1942. He was originally with either the 325th or 327th Infantry Regiment that was part of the 82nd Airborne Division (I need to look at his basic training graduation picture again). It was a Au Lion and did not have the guard trimmed. He was injured in training and was transferred and became a training officer since he was 23 when he was drafted. He hung onto the knife and I still have it. It's one of my favorite pieces for obivious reasons!