[Ken]

I need to put a value on this knife for the estate that I am clearing. Looking on the internet has not been really productive as values seem to be all over the place.

The condition is unissued, and yes I should know better than take bad pictures.
L F & C marked.
Ken

 

[Kentucky Fisherman]

I saw one of these on "Pawn Stars" a few weeks ago, Ken. Unless I'm mistaken it was developed for trench warfare in WWI. I don't remember anything that was said about spotting originals vs. later copies, but I bet you can dig up something here on the Internet. The one on Pawn Stars turned out to be genuine but I honestly don't remember the value. I'd say it might be worth a little research, but I guess you already knew that.

Here's a genuine trench knife that sold at auction for $345. Here's another that looks a lot like yours. Here's a price guide that may help. See if you find the initials LF&C on your knife. Of course counterfeiters know the maker's marks, too. This one looks like yours and sold for $725.

 

[Trapper6L]

Ken, the Landers, Frary, and Clark Knife Company made all kinds of Gov't knives from trench knives to mess kit knives. The LF&C should have a date on the front of the hand guard right under the name "LF&C". Considering the wood handle and I'm assuming part of the sheath is also wood, that should make it an early one, like a WWI model, possibly the 1917 Model M8. Without the date though, it kinda makes it a novelty. A serious collector is going to want the date engraved as required by the armory. If there's no date, it's what the traffic will pay as to the value. Best of luck with it though.

You must be living right. I decided to look online to see if any have come up for auction. There popped up one at Gunsamerica. A 1918 marked sheath and I'm assuming it sold for the asking price of $650.00.

https://www.gunsamerica.com/938808409/RARE-WW-I-LF-C-1917-Trench-Knife.htm

 

[Ken]

Thank You. It helps, still searching.
KF, take a look at the blade tip on the first knife you posted. It shows a common issue with these knives, the tip is re-ground after having been broken.
I learned that much last week looking at one like it at a shop in Branson MO.

I found another like mine in equal condition for $1200.00 that is supposed to be a rare, early model. Hmm?

Ken