Original French WWI M1916 Type 2 Fighting Knife by Bourgade with Scabbard – Le Vengeur de 1870 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the French WWI M1916 type 2 Fighting Knife, made by BOURGADE, as marked on the blade ricasso. It comes complete with its original 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 bears much of the original factory final grind cross grain, with staining from age and oxidation. The blade also has been sharpened post-factory, but not to a large extent. The blade marking is clear, showing the trademark Asian man’s profile with BOURGADE marked in the man’s braided hair.

The flat steel crossguard remains nice and straight, though it does have staining and oxidation on the unfinished steel. The nicely toned walnut grip has a great color and grain, with some age cracking along the grain. The handle is on solidly, with no play on the blade tang.

The steel scabbard is in very nice condition, though it is split slightly at the top. The belt loop is fully intact, though the scabbard shell does have some dents on both sides. It is also marked with number 742, though we do not know the significance.

A very nice example of a WWI French fighting knife! Ready to display!