The M-1916 trench knife "Le vengeur de 1870" is a fighting knife that was produced during World War I for use in the trenches. The M-1916 trench knife "Le vengeur de 1870" has a double-edged blade with a strong mid-rib. The blade is getting narrower towards the tip and ends in a sharp tip. The blades are hallmarked with AU LION and Pataud Co. in Thiers. The hilt is made of turned wood, the cross-guard is made of steel. The hilt is attached to the hinge with a kind of disc nut. This nut has two circular or semi-circular holes on the disc or on the edge used to insert a wrench to tighten the nut. Another hallmark is "Bourgade" and the head of a Mongol or Tatar. The sheaths are made of steel sheet and are unvarnished. A metal bracket is attached on the back, which is used to hold the belt. The blade of this knife is the same one that was used on the American fighting knife Mark I./M 1918 for use in Europe. A version of the knife is almost identical, but the difference is an intermediate plate sitting between the wooden handle and the cross-guard, and the mirror of the hallmark "41-Conon", as well as the sheath painted in black. Manufactured by the company Pataud Co. in Thiers, France. Name of the knife "Le vengeur de 1870" (English: "The Avenger of 1870") goes back to the humiliating behaviour of the Prussian military back in 1870 when France lost the Franco-Prussian War. 1916 - M Le Vengeur de 1870 - combat knife of the French army in World War I Manufacturer: SGCO = Société Générale Coutellerié de Orfevrerie a Thiers with a grip ring. Signature BOURGADE, very rare, length: 29.5/27.5 cm It was worn under the designation DAGGER 116 (f) by the German Navy and French voluntary associations. Condition: see pictures! 18 +! Private, non-commercial sale, no warranty/guarantee, return etc.