WWII/WWI Trench Knife by Au Lion

[Sir Payne]

Hello guys,

I'm planning on selling this WW1/WW2 Au Lion French made American trench knife here in the classifieds. I've done a little bit of research on these and I'm pretty sure this one is good. I know some of you have owned these in the past so I would be grateful if you could give my your opinions on this example. Just click on the photos and you can make them bigger. Thanks for your help

Regards,
Corey

[Sir Payne]

Now for some period photos from google:

[Walkwolf]

I definitely like the brass grip, as it has a nice old patina on it.
It takes a long time to build up and does not look
faked to me.........

[cricketchris1944]

It does look good to me also.
chris

[Sir Payne]

Thanks guys.

I have never seen any quality reproductions or fakes of these knives, one of the reasons is probably what Steve said, the handles are very difficult to accurately copy. A few days ago I found a website that shows many of the currently known fakes, and none of them come close to an original Au Lion in my opinion. I can't seem to find the site for the life of me, but I'll try to post a link once I do.

Corey

[Wagriff]

Looks like a fine genuine Au Lion knuckle duster Model1918 Mark 1. These are highly sought after collectables and are worth decent money. I've always wondered-were many of these things ever actually Used? From what I've heard, most of these were produced too late in the war and most remained unissued. Brrr....vicious looking brutes, they are.

[Sir Payne]

The article on Wikipedia is really informative. I think large quantities that were unissued in WW1 were issued in WW2, rather than issuing the already used WW1 veteran knives.

[Sir Payne]

oh another cool fact, one of the reasons why the spiked knuckles were employed was to keep an opponent from grabbing the handle of the knife while in hand to hand combat.

[Sir Payne]

Hmmm...it sold within 30 minutes of me listing it, I suppose that isn't a good sign.

[Walkwolf]

I beleieve it was a decent price. Did you check on-line
beforehand to see what others are selling for
these days.........?