Thanks Jim & Steve, glad someone else enjoyed it. I've done a little bit of research on it but haven't found a lot of info. There have been a few others pop up on line and they are also described as French WW1 army knives so I lean towards an issue item. It is supposed to have a locking plate on the bottom with a ring attached, presumably to hang off gear, etc. but no idea where that part is or whether it was on the knife when he brought it back.
Another one that I wished could talk.