Always going to be a special item from your brother. I'm no expert either, but given that you have the knife and also the scabbard, which looks good from your photo, I think it may be original. But the trench knife experts will be along shortly.
Greetings,
While I have never (ever) viewed an L.F.& C.'s handle that possessed those casting flaws in the ends of the knuckles before, I do believe it is an original knife and scabbard pair. On balance, there's more "right" with those knuckles than wrong with its casting's flaws. While a gift from your brother and priceless because of that connection, this example is well worn and below average in condition.
The easiest way to determine if a knife is a reproduction/new creation is to view similar new made examples. If this handle was a newly made copy (don't kid yourself, there are folks who can patina anything), I have not viewed an example of one before....hence, my belief that it is real and not a "part's kinfe" (i.e. where new and old parts are mixed to deceive).
Best Regards,
V/r Lance
The U.S. M1918 Mk. I Trench Knife Thread.
Thanks BlackCat1982 and MilitariaOne for your replies, much appreciated.
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