French WWI M1916 Type 2 Fighting Knife with Scabbard – Le Vengeur de 1870

This is a very nice example of the French WWI M1916 type 2 Fighting Knife, pattern 41 made by GONON, as marked on the blade ricasso. This is the trademark of the firm of Gonon-Chasengue et Fils (Gonon-Chasengue and Son). It comes complete with its original blued steel scabbard.

These are often called Le Vengeur de 1870 (The Avenger of 1870), in reference to the lost war against the Prussian Army in 1870. After the defeat of France in 1940 the Germans captured large quantities M1916’s and these were then used in Norway. The M1916 knife was also tested in Sweden during the immediate post war years.

The blade design on these knives is quite similar to that of the U.S. Mark 1 Trench knife, with a 6 1/2 inch long double-edged spear point shape, out of the overall length of 11 inches. This example still is in good but used condition, overall a very nice unit.

The flat steel crossguard remains nice and straight, though it does have staining and light oxidation on the unfinished steel. It bears the B and star acceptance mark. The nicely toned walnut grip has a great color and grain without cracks, chips, or major dents. The handle is on solidly, with no play on the blade tang. The blued steel scabbard is in very nice condition, with no damage.