1917 US Trench Knife : Value And Is It Real Or Fake?

[TheAlpineWolf]

Hi All,
I have the opportunity to purchase this 1917 trench knife and just thought I would ask if anyone on here could identify its authenticity! The owner has no story behind how he got it but it seems to be in well used condition. He is asking a firm $800 (AUD) and I'm not sure if its quite worth that price considering condition and missing scabbard.
Let me know what you think!
Best Regards,
Sam.

Information

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[rambo46]

Sam,

Here in the U.S. there have been a few 1917's sold at auction over the past month or so. Two were sold on 8 Jan, both having scabbards and both in very nice shape, one went for $475 and the other $450. Two others sold on 14 Feb again both in nice shape but without scabbards. One knife sold for $220 the other for $325.

The knife you're looking at seems original but a bit on the expensive end. I hope this helps out some.

Bruce

[capt14k]

Sam,

Here in the U.S. there have been a few 1917's sold at auction over the past month or so. Two were sold on 8 Jan, both having scabbards and both in very nice shape, one went for $475 and the other $450. Two others sold on 14 Feb again both in nice shape but without scabbards. One knife sold for $220 the other for $325.

The knife you're looking at seems original but a bit on the expensive end. I hope this helps out some.

Bruce

$500 I thought was more like it. Simpsons just sold one for $950 that looked way too new to me.

[browningautorifle]

I agree that it's original and too expensive. AUS is about par with CDN and that's too much. Maybe $250 without scabbard for me, and it's damaged. Just too much money. They can be had...with scabbard.

[CINDERS]

Everything down under now has skyrocketed in price WWI & WWII '07 Lithgows range from $398/Aud upwards, years ago you could get an SLR bayonet & scabbard for next to zilch now they want $300+/Aud.

[BazSmiles]

Would agree with previous replies. It looks genuine to me and I own two of them. The 1917, unlike the 1918, has not attracted too much fakery in my experience. It is a shame to be misisng the scabbard, by Jewel normally. Price wise, if it's scarce in AUS then maybe worth it for you. If not reach out overseas, there are several credible providers in US and UK.
For what it is worth I have been collecting fighting knives for 35 years and only recently moved into rifles..... uups...

---------- Post added at 12:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:35 PM ----------

ps I'd put thumbnails in but haven't worked that out yet, sorry! Navigating poorly, new to the jungle....

[BazSmiles]

Managed it. Two types here; the flanged (top) and pyramid knuckle.

[82Trooper]

For discussion only...IMA makes a reproduction....https://www.ima-usa.com/products/u-s...rked-lf-c-1917

They also offer a repro sheath...but it does not seem to show on their website, but is on Amazon (if you decided to buy the original knife in your original post and wanted a sheath for display until you locate an original)

They also are offering an original knife with a replica leather sheath...https://www.ima-usa.com/products/ori...39638673391685

Hope this helps.

[browningautorifle]

They also are offering an original knife with a replica leather sheath...https://www.ima-usa.com/products/ori...39638673391685

You could take pics to a decent leather worker or shoemaker and I'll bet he could make one of these.

[TheAlpineWolf]

Thanks for the info everyone!
Im still on the fence due to the price however still thinking of buying it.
Do you have any of these or the 1918 models in your collection browningautorifle?
Best Regards,
Sam.