Lot 92B: Combat Knife and Sheath

Estimate: $300 – $500

Marked “US- L. F & C. 1917” on upper guard (1st model). Commando fighting knuckle-duster d-guard combat knife and original lacquered leather and steel sheath with belt hook, marked on leather “JEWELL 1918”. Triangular blade (spike), sharp edges and perfect point, eventually prohibited by the Geneva Convention due to the nature and shape of the wound it inflicted. Wood grip no splits, wood grip carved one side with a “P” and “G-9639” on the reverse. Scabbard fittings marked “M.S.”. Original green paint on leather intact with very little loss. Mint, not abused, stored properly for years. Provenance: Belonged to Lt. Col. Bernard C. Gorfinkle, later (after being wounded twice at Verdun France) was promoted to Captain and eventually, General. He was among the first 50,000 dispatched to France in 1917, 101st Ammunition train, 26th (Yankee) division. Many other noteworthy credits and accomplishments listed includes military aide to President Woodrow Wilson (John P. Richardson Estate, Hingham, MA).