The First Rule Posted January 11, 2013 Share #1 Posted January 11, 2013 A local seller is offering this trench knife but I only have a vague idea of what I'm looking at from reading internet articles and comparing pictures. No scabbard but the AU Lion scabbard was pretty low quality to begin with. My grandpa had one he brought back from WWII and it just had a leather scabbard, but that knife got lost or given away when he died, and I've been after one ever since. In my researched but not expert opinion is that it is real but I figured I should solicit some other opinions. The rubbed off 1918 doesn't strike me as too odd from what I've seen about the AU materials, but the one thing that does seem odd is the centering of the Lion mark on the blade, like the blade was grinded down or something. So assuming its real, anyone have an idea of what this is worth in this condition? I've seen some nearly perfect LF&C variants sell for around $700-800. I don't know if the AU Lion is rarer. I also don't frequent gun shows too often so I don't really know how available these kind of knives are so I'm not sure if I should pass on this opportunity, but they don't seem to turn up on the internet with much regularity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cromwell Posted January 11, 2013 Share #2 Posted January 11, 2013 Looks good from what I can see in pics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thorin6 Posted January 11, 2013 Share #3 Posted January 11, 2013 Go here to see the common reproductions: http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/m1918mk1.htm I'm not saying it is or isn't an original, just that there are many reproductions out there, and some are old enough to look like they have original wear. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croix de Guerre Posted January 11, 2013 Share #4 Posted January 11, 2013 The Au Lion was the only version of this knife that was made in France. It is also the only version that may have actually seen combat in WWI. It looks okay to me however without the scabbard I wouldn't offer more than $500. Wait a bit and you can find one with a scabbard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Still-A-Marine Posted January 11, 2013 Share #5 Posted January 11, 2013 Looks legit to me. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack's Son Posted January 11, 2013 Share #6 Posted January 11, 2013 I agree with CdG, wait awhile(as tough as it may be). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsellati Posted January 11, 2013 Share #7 Posted January 11, 2013 Looks good from what I can see in pics. +1. But, it certainly is in well-used condition. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsellati Posted January 11, 2013 Share #8 Posted January 11, 2013 The Au Lion was the only version of this knife that was made in France. It is also the only version that may have actually seen combat in WWI. It looks okay to me however without the scabbard I wouldn't offer more than $500. Wait a bit and you can find one with a scabbard. Wow, is upwards of $500 what this knife sans scabbard would go for in France? Here in the U.S. I would not pay more than $250 for it. In fact, honestly, I'd save the $250 and accumulate more money and buy a nicer example. They certainly are not as scarce as hen's teeth here in the U.S. Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The First Rule Posted January 11, 2013 Author Share #9 Posted January 11, 2013 Wow, is upwards of $500 what this knife sans scabbard would go for in France? Here in the U.S. I would not pay more than $250 for it. In fact, honestly, I'd save the $250 and accumulate more money and buy a nicer example. They certainly are not as scarce as hen's teeth here in the U.S. Tim I appreciate your advice. What exactly would you suggest as the best method of finding a better example. Frequent gun shows? Call around to dealers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
witriflyguy Posted January 25, 2013 Share #10 Posted January 25, 2013 Looks good to me as well, but as others have said, wait for one that comes with a scabbard, they are very hard to find on their own. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V42 Posted January 28, 2013 Share #11 Posted January 28, 2013 Looks good to me and the price would be between $400 and $500 as it has no scabbard. Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimmyhanklane Posted January 30, 2013 Share #12 Posted January 30, 2013 Just the right amount of saltiness. I can't stand mint examples. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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