Leather Sheath for M1917 Trench Knife

[thorin6]

On page 24 of Cole’s Book III there is a picture of an OLC M1917 Trench Knife, along with a leather sheath that is unmarked and well made. I’ve seen reproductions of such a sheath before, but this one looked better made and, based upon several internet searches of M1917 sheaths, more likely to be original. It fits the description in Coles, as well as having several characteristics, such as the straight cut in the leather retraining strap at the male part of the snap, that seem to me to be different than the reproductions. It’s in very good, slightly used condition, and very solid. I’m not sure if it’s military issue or private issue, but it’s not hand made. Any comments on this sheath are welcome, as it’s the first one of these I’ve handled as opposed to looking at a photograph.

 

 

[thorin6]

Front and back sides of the sheath follow:

 

[thorin6]

Next:

 

[thorin6]

Some close ups:

 

[thorin6]

Next:

 

[thorin6]

The M1917 Trench Knive I've posted before is an LF&C:

 

[thorin6]

Here's the markings (the blade is as good as it gets):

 

[tarheeltim]

Very nice! You certainly don't see that type of sheath very often.

 

I once purchased a WWI A.C.C.O. 1917 knife that was alleged to be unissued. It came with a cardboard protectice tube/sleeve around the blade. Does anyone know if that is how they were issued? Sorry, it's long gone and I don't have a photo.

[SKIPH]

Thorin6- There was one of those scabbards at the Raleigh show. The only one I had ever seen outside a book. By chance is that the sheath? SKIP

[thorin6]

Thorin6- There was one of those scabbards at the Raleigh show. The only one I had ever seen outside a book. By chance is that the sheath? SKIP

This was an Ebay purchase; very fuzzy photos and hard to get detail; I hesitated to bid, but bit the bullet after several internet searches turned up several orginal sheaths that matched this one.

 

[SKIPH]

Had never handled or seen one before the one at the show. Lucky find! SKIP

[ccyooper]

There used to be a guy in PA who made these types of sheaths and restored other leather sheaths. He also rehandled M3 knives. He was very good.

[thorin6]

There used to be a guy in PA who made these types of sheaths and restored other leather sheaths. He also rehandled M3 knives. He was very good.

 

There-in lies the rub. I'm familiar with whom you speak, although to be best of my knowledge he has been out of the business for the past 10 years or so. I'm pretty sure this is not one of the latest crop of reproductions, and based on my internet searches, it matches old ones; but the problem is determining who made it and when, and Cole's Book III only shows it and mentions it in the context of the OCL M1917. My feeling is that it would have been private purchase if it was used in lieu of the Jewel scabbard, but nothing I've found would indicate a date or era of use (WWI, WWII, or?).

 

[militariaone]

Greetings Gents,

 

I thought I'd post my example for comparison purposes. Of note, there’s no tie down/thong’s hole on the scabbard’s tip. I’ve no idea of the scabbard’s era either, I have always "guessed" these were a WWII contrivance.

 

Regards,

 

Lance