WW1 Mark 1 1918 Au Lion Trench Knife Comparison

**behlftball** · 09-13-2013, 05:15 AM

Hi!

I have two 1918 Mark 1 trench knives (I hope they are both real...). They are both blade marked by Au Lion. However, they show great differences in their handles. Any thoughts? Did they come out with a different version at some point? The one version (The one I'm concerned about) actually has a raised "US 1918" text which I cannot find anywhere else. Also, the handle is different overall.

Thanks,
Phil

WW1 Mark 1 1918 Au Lion Trench Knife Comparison

**relicz** · 09-13-2013, 05:46 AM

You are correct in having concerns about the raised lettering.

I have a few other concerns as well.

IMO - the photos on the multi colored carpet is distracting and hides some of the handle and knuckle spike detail.

Could you post some pictures of both knives on a solid color and contrasting background, it would definitely help in evaluating them.

**behlftball** · 09-13-2013, 03:47 PM

I took some new photos... Hope these help.

Thanks,
Phil

**MilitariaOne** · 09-22-2013, 06:32 AM

Greetings Phil,

One of your pictured knives is definitely a reproduction. Please, review my comparison views of a picture from here M1918MK1The knife is pictured as the 22nd knife down from the top of the page named as “AuLion Fake”.
On your other knife, I really would not advance any definitive statements on it as I have never seen an Au Lion with such a poorly marked Handle. That said, their handles marking’s quality standards are all over the place (from good to not so good). If I saw it on a table for sale, I’d walk away and wait for clearly marked example, which wouldn’t make me ponder its authenticity. It may very well be original, or perhaps not. Unless, I can find a picture of a known repro to match it against, I would not make a judgment as I believe in the old adage "show me don’t tell me." Which explains why I took the time to make the other knife’s photo comparison.

Regards,

Lance

P.S. The good news is your scabbard is an original, but not the original French variant that would have accompanied an original Au Lion.