Price check on "Au Lion" M1918 Mark I trench knife

[tsellati]

I have an opportunity to add a French made "Au Lion" M1918 Mark I trench knife to my collection and wanted opinions regarding its authenticity, condition, and relative value.

 

Here are some pictures provided by the seller, the son of the WWII vet that brought the knife home from the war in 1946.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The knife appears to have all the correct markings and has a uniform patina consistent with its age. The knife comes with a rather interesting leather scabbard (not the correct metal version) which resembles the leather scabbards often associated with knuckle/trench knives originating from Australia and New Zealand.

 

Here are some photos of the scabbard -

 

 

 

 

 

The asking price for this knife and scabbard is $500. I am in discussions with the seller to learn whether a copy of a photograph of his father with the knife might be available or any other information regarding his father's service. I think this might add a little value overall, however, not being too familiar with current market values I would like to know whether his asking price is low, high, or in the middle.

 

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

Tim

[gunbarrel]

Tim,

 

Here are a couple of picture of my Au Lion trench knife. It's confirmed to be the real thing. The reposed lion mark is very worn, but you can compare the grip marks and you be the judge. Whoever made the leather scabbard you are showing did a nice job. They took care to build it up, so that they would not have to file down the sides of the rounded guard like a lot of WWII-modified knives you see.

 

Good luck!

 

[gunbarrel]

Close-up.

[kphfun]

Knife is pretty worn and although it has a WW2 scabbard it was the only model issued to US forces in WW1. Hence without the metal scabbard and it's condition I think around 400.00 would be more correct.

[tsellati]

...The reposed lion mark is very worn, but you can compare the grip marks and you be the judge.

 

gunbarrel,

 

I apologize for perhaps being dense, but, I am not sure what to look for with regard to the grip marks. I do notice that the "U.S. 1918" appears more deeply struck on your knife's grip than on the one I am considering. However, it also appears your brass handle is in overall better condition whereas the one I am considering appears to have accumulated more patina/rust (?) deposits on the surface thus filling in some of the lettering on the grip.

 

What are you thoughts, do you think the handle and/or other parts of the knife have been messed with?

 

Tim

[tsellati]

Knife is pretty worn and although it has a WW2 scabbard it was the only model issued to US forces in WW1. Hence without the metal scabbard and it's condition I think around 400.00 would be more correct.

 

Actually, given my collecting focus on WWII I much prefer the WWII provenance suggested by the leather scabbard. Though I am intrigued by the possibility of this knife having been brought back from the war by a WWII vet (and perhaps learning more about the vet) I intend to buy the knife (if I decide to do so) and not the story. I put more faith in the knife's WWII provenance based on the scabbard.

 

Tim

 

P.S. - Yes, I was thinking of offering an amount more along the lines of $350 to $400.

[Still-A-Marine]

If you can get it for less great. But I don't think $500 is a bad price. That may not be rust on the brass. The blade and handle were chemically darkened during production. The one you are looking at buying may not have been handled as much. Bill

[gunbarrel]

Regarding the blades of the Au Lion knives, they were not chemically darkened. As far as the grips (again, of the Au Lion), there are two types of grips: one of them has grooves running the length of the top (like mine), and some do not have these grooves. In addition, some of the Au Lion grips were darkened, but some were not. Tim, I'm sorry I wasn't more clear. What I was trying to say was to compare the fonts on the U.S. 1918. All in all, it looks good to me and I don't think it's been messed with. However, it would be good if we could get the opinion of Frank Trzaska, or Tony-in-NH, as well.

[Still-A-Marine]

I defer to Gunbarrel. I did not realize that the Au Lion were different than the American versions. Thanks for the information GB. Bill

[artu44]

To have an idea of fake Au Lion, take a look at this page by Frank Trzaska

 

http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/m1918mk1.htm

[tsellati]

To have an idea of fake Au Lion, take a look at this page by Frank Trzaska

 

http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/m1918mk1.htm

 

artu44,

 

Of course I will wait to here from Mr. Trzaska himself, but, at present I am inclined to respectfully disagree. I do not see any examples of fakes on the website you provided that look remotely similar to the knife under consideration. What specific characteristics of the knife pictured above suggest to you that it might be a fake?

 

Tim

[AK101]

but, at present I am inclined to respectfully disagree. I do not see any examples of fakes on the website you provided that look remotely similar to the knife under consideration. What specific characteristics of the knife pictured above suggest to you that it might be a fake?

 

Maybe I missed something but I do not see where he said there were issues with the knife, it seems to me he just pointed you to a site that has examples of known fakes to compare your knife to.

[tsellati]

Maybe I missed something but I do not see where he said there were issues with the knife, it seems to me he just pointed you to a site that has examples of known fakes to compare your knife to.

 

You know, I think you are correct. I went back and reread the post and realized I misinterpreted artu44's comment. I hope my defensive response to his post does not offend as it was not my intention.

 

Tim

[nuke41]

Its an original, as has been already pointed out. I have several Au Lions, and they vary allot on the quality of the grip casting, some are pretty smooth in finish, some are so rough you can barely stand to put your hand inside the finger loops. Yours is on the rough end of the quality scale. The American made 1918s have very high quality casting work on the grips, especially the LF&Cs.

 

Cheers,

Jeb

[tsellati]

Its an original, as has been already pointed out. I have several Au Lions, and they vary allot on the quality of the grip casting, some are pretty smooth in finish, some are so rough you can barely stand to put your hand inside the finger loops. Yours is on the rough end of the quality scale. The American made 1918s have very high quality casting work on the grips, especially the LF&Cs.

 

Cheers,

Jeb

 

Jeb,

 

Based upon your experience with collecting this Au Lion M1918 knives and the condition of the one I am considering purchasing, what do you think is a reasonable amount to offer?

 

Thanks for sharing your expertise and opinion.

 

Tim

[artu44]

Jeb,

 

Based upon your experience with collecting this Au Lion M1918 knives and the condition of the one I am considering purchasing, what do you think is a reasonable amount to offer?

 

Thanks for sharing your expertise and opinion.

 

Tim

It could be a good idea to send a PM to our french member Solcarlus who's knows a lot about.

[solcarlus]

Hi arturo.

 

It could be a good idea to send a PM to our french member Solcarlus who's knows a lot about.

 

This is not my habit to evaluate the equipment.

I'll make an exception. In view of the general condition and the sheath that is not hers, I would say in the $ 450

 

sol.

 

PS : Pour Arturo :

 

Il n'est pas en bon état, il y a de la restauration à faire

[fabnatcyr]

Hi arturo.

This is not my habit to evaluate the equipment.

I'll make an exception. In view of the general condition and the sheath that is not hers, I would say in the $ 450

 

sol.

 

PS : Pour Arturo :

 

Il n'est pas en bon état, il y a de la restauration à faire

 

hello

that was purchased on ebay Buy It Now for $ 250 in July 2006

for comparison see inflation at home.

[tsellati]

Hi arturo.

This is not my habit to evaluate the equipment.

I'll make an exception. In view of the general condition and the sheath that is not hers, I would say in the $ 450

 

sol.

 

PS : Pour Arturo :

 

Il n'est pas en bon état, il y a de la restauration à faire

 

solcarlus,

 

I very much appreciate your willingness to make an exception and comment on this knife and to share your expertise with me.

 

Regards,

 

Tim

[tsellati]

 

hello

that was purchased on ebay Buy It Now for $ 250 in July 2006

for comparison see inflation at home.

 

Wow, that is a gorgeous example indeed and a great price as well!

 

Tim

[artu44]

You know, I think you are correct. I went back and reread the post and realized I misinterpreted artu44's comment. I hope my defensive response to his post does not offend as it was not my intention.

 

Tim

No problem Tim. Even a blind can see that knife is an original. I wanted you see fakes just to appreciate originals.

[solcarlus]

Bonjour Tim

 

The pleasure is for me.

Here are mine bought in 90 years at a price of around $ 400. It comes from the USA.

 

sol.