I wouldn't even hazard a guess on a price for an WWI Model 1905. Yes, I've kicked myself over this ever since. Today I'm given to understand the price would be much, much higher, if you could find one for sale to start with. Two years ago I was offered a WWII Model 1905 for $90 but I passed. The most desirable are the WWI Model 1905 bayonets. On the M5 it is a folded piece of sheet steel that when viewed from the front forms a U shape, while on the M5A1 though it is almost identical, there is a fold of metal to enclose the front of the button at the front of the button piece." -Frank Burke A third difference is the lug release piece. "In Kuhnhausen's book the M5 and M5A1 are almost identical, with the differences being: (1) the grind of the cutting edge on the M5 goes straight all the way to the guard while the M5A1 curves to nothingness at the guard, and (2) on the M5 the spring that activates the lug release button is at right angles to the button and the tang, while on the M5A1 the tang is modified slightly with an angled surface so the spring is angled toward the point of the knife at about a 45 degree angle instead of at right angles. It used the same M8A1 scabbard as issued with the M4 Carbine bayonet. It came with a 7" blade and was made in several sub-types: M5, M5-1 and M5A1, which reflect just minor differences in construction. This bayonet would fit into an M7 scabbard, or into a modified M3 (cut down to the shorter length).īAYONET, M5: In 1954, the bayonet for the M1 Garand was completely redesigned.
Any wooden grips were exchanged for black or reddish plastic types. Depending upon who did the modification, the ends were reground to either a spear or clip point. MODEL 1905E1 BAYONET: In 1944-1946 many of the WWI and WWII 1905 bayonets were reworked by cutting them down to a 10" length. A very few were dated 1943 the vast majority are undated. A shorter M7 olive-drab metal/fiberglass scabbard came with it. It was identical to the WWII 1905 except for the 10" blade. I've not run across either WWI or WWII M1905 bayonets in some time except in private collections, and those weren't for sale at any price.īAYONET, M1: In mid-1943 a new bayonet was ordered with shorter blade of 10" length. These bayonets came with the M3 olive-drab fiberglass scabbard.
They have no serial numbers and are dated either "1942" or "1943." Many call this the Model 1942 bayonet, however this isn't the official name. MODEL 1905 BAYONET, WWII-Era: These are identical to the WWI bayonets except they were parkerized from the start, are rougher in appearance and finish and were equipped with black or reddish plastic grips rather than wooden ones.
The blade was 16" in length and each bayonet had its own serial number, along with a manufacturer's name or code and date stamp.
These are very hard to find and are very collectable. Later, during WWII, almost all of the earlier "bright blade" 1905 bayonets were parkerized too since it cut down on reflection in combat. The bayonet had a bright blade until about 1917, after which they were parkerized. They usually came with a canvas covered, wooden scabbard. MODEL 1905 BAYONET, WWI-Era: Originally designed for M1903 and M1917 US Rifles, this was first type to see use on the Garand. Rifle, Cal.30, M1, depending upon which was authorized for a particular point in time.
There are actually five (5) distinct types of bayonets that are "correct" for a U.S. The history of M1 Garand Bayonets by Robert Gibson Fulton Armory FAQ: The history of M1 Garand Bayonets