You’re looking at an original French-made Au Lion blade from the scarce U.S. Model 1918 Mark I trench knife. These were contracted by the U.S. Army in 1918 because American factories couldn’t turn them out fast enough for the troops already fighting in France. Only the French Au Lion examples actually made it to the front lines in time to see World War I service – the U.S.-made LF&C and others mostly sat in storage until WWII.
What you get:
• Authentic double-edged spear-point blade with the classic raised median ridge
• Clear original stamp on the ricasso: reclining lion above “AU LION”
• Threaded tang tip still present (for the original pommel nut)
• Overall blade length approx. 6½–6¾ inches (standard for these)
• Heavy honest age patina, dark oxidation, and surface pitting throughout – exactly the look of a 100+ year-old combat blade that wasn’t polished up for the show circuit
This is blade only – no brass handle, no scabbard. Perfect for the serious collector who needs a genuine Au Lion replacement blade, a display piece, or a restoration project. These complete knives with the French mark bring serious money when they surface; a solid original blade like this is getting harder to find every year.
Condition is exactly as shown in the multiple detailed photos.
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