The Model 1890 entrenching tool is sometimes designated the Model 1892 from the date on guard and handle socket, but is really the same as the 1880 hunting knife. Experiments with entrenching implements during the period had yielded no superior tool to the hunting knife for that purpose, so the designation was changed and 501 more were produced at Springfield in fiscal year 1893 as a stop-gap measure until its function was taken over by the Krag knife bayonet in 1895. (Only in 1910 was a dedicated entrenching shovel issued to infantry.)

The oak handle on this is excellent. The blade has a good point and an edge with no nicks or sharpening marks. The metal is smooth and a mix of dull silver gray and darker bluish-gray areas. The brass has a medium age patina and some brown age spots. One side of the guard is stamped “U.S.” over “1892” and the other is stamped “SPRINGFIELD / ARMORY.” This pattern is not serial numbered.

The scabbard on this is the 1890 pattern intended for the hunting knife. These were made by altering existing scabbards with leather belt loops by cutting off the upper part of the loop and riveting on a flat brass hook. This scabbard shows the remnants of the original Watervliet Arsenal stamp and part of a central line of stitching from the original belt loop. The use of a shorter belt hook and four rivets to secure it show that the alteration, too, was done at the Watervliet Arsenal.

For all practical purposes, this is a very scarce version of the 1880 hunting knife.  [sr]

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