OCL 1917 Trench Knife Variants

[cwnorma]

The recent thread on OCL knives prompted me to dig out these two knives. Both have variances that were worth noting.

 

The upper knife is more normal, with an old blue finish fading to grey--except it appears to have been manufactured with the blade "upside down" (with the flat side closest to the thumb side of the guard. The knife is tight, and the nut does not want to come off with normal pressure--so I am leaving alone.

 

The lower knife is a bit more unusual. The blade and nut have a grayish, phosphate finish. The guard, on the other hand has a shiny, black, baked enamel finish. The pieces do not appear to have ever been apart.

 

Its a little hard to see, due to the thick black enamel, but the OCL stamps are identical.

[cwnorma]

This view really shows the difference in the finishes:

 

Finally, here is a closer view of the handles:

 

Any more variations of this knife out there?

[John762]

Is the black coating similar to what the British used on some of their weapons? That's the only thing that comes to my mind???

[SKIPH]

My "OCL" had bluing on all metal parts. The one in question almost looks spray painted a flat black, note what looks like chips, or dings in the finishe. Just my guess. SKIP

[cwnorma]

My "OCL" had bluing on all metal parts. The one in question almost looks spray painted a flat black, note what looks like chips, or dings in the finishe. Just my guess. SKIP

 

Skip,

 

It is more of a semi-glossy, baked enamel finish. You are correct though there are places where it shows some very light chipping. The picture of the nut is about the best representation of the finish of all the photos. Also, the blade and nut have a phosphate finish.

 

The knife is tight and does not appear to have ever been apart.

 

Chris