Au Lion Model 1918 Mk I Trench Knife

6.25" double edged spear point blade with pronounced median ridge, .94" wide at widest point. 11.125" in overall length, including the correct four-sided pointed capstan nut. Reverse ricasso marked with a {Recumbent Lion} over the words AU LION. Cast brass hilt with oval guard and integral brass knuckles is cast in the obverse grip U.S. 1918. This hilt variant has the two cast opposing grooves on the upper edge of the grip. No scabbard is present. A solid example of the only brass knuckle US M1918 Mk1 Trench Knives to see any use during the Great War.

This lot is located in Cincinnati.

Condition
Good to very good. Blade with a dull gray patina and scattered freckles and patches of darker oxidation and discoloration. Blade has been sharpened and has rather sharp edges. The blade was likely removed from the hilt and reinserted upside down, as the Au Lion markings are typically encountered on the obverse, rather than reverse ricasso. The brass hilt was buffed and cleaned long ago, removing some of the roughness inherent in the casting process and leaving the hilt and guard somewhat smoother than normal, but retaining many of the casting flaws. The brass has since developed a very attractive butterscotch patina.