Original Item: Only One Available. We have only had a few of these rare sets previously, and they are definitely hard to come by. This is a very nice condition U.S. M1905 bayonet dated 1909, originally made during WWI for the M1903 Springfield Rifle. It is still in the original issued configuration, a 16 inch blade and wooden grip scales. The M1905 was originally designed with a bright steel blade, but upon U.S. entry into WWI in 1917, the specification was changed to a fully blued bayonet, and bright bayonets on hand were blued to match, such as this one. It was then polished down later, leaving the blade partly bright, with a dark fuller.

This example is fitted with a very good condition original M1905 leather covered scabbard, dated 1907, with the rare Type 1 modification to add a belt hanger clip in 1921. These are very rarely seen on today's market, especially with the leather hanger loop intact.

The M1 Garand was designed to take the same blade bayonet as the M1903 Springfield rifle, so at the beginning of WWII, many were issued with bayonets originally made for those rifles. Later in 1942 to keep up with wartime production, new orders for M1905 bayonets with plastic grips were sent out, which had plastic ribbed grips. These were also sometimes fitted to M1905 bayonets made previously that had damage to their wooden grips. This bayonet however still has its original wooden grips, and does not appear to have been reissued for WWII use.

In 1943, the specification for bayonets was changed to have a 10 inch blade, and many M1905 bayonets were shortened to this length. This bayonet however is still in the original configuration, which is rare to find on the market today.

The blade ricasso is marked with SA for the Springfield Armory in Springfield Mass, the primary center for the manufacture of United States military firearms from 1777 until its closing in 1968. Below this is the Ordnance flaming bomb and date of manufacture 1909. The other side of the ricasso is marked with U.S. above serial number 412768, which is next to an Eagle Proof over X10. The blade is in very good shape, though it was sharpened and had a new edge put on. The wooden grip scales are also in good condition, with a great color, with lots of the original factory "ribbed" texture. One scale does have a chunk missing hear the back.

The original M1905 Type 1 Modified Scabbard is clearly marked R.I.A. / 1907. / F.P.B. on the leather, just below the throat on the rear of the scabbard. This indicates modification at Rock Island Arsenal in 1907. The “F.P.B.” marking identifies leather goods inspector, who unfortunately has not been identified. This first type modification of the M1905 scabbard involved removing the metal hanger, and installing a leather frog with a belt clip. The frog is stamped on the front with R.I.A. / 1921, probably for the year of conversion.  These are hard to find intact, as usually the hanger is gone or partially torn away. There is also a 65. N.Y. 24 unit marking on the back. This example has some wear on the leather tip and on the back of the body, but is otherwise in good shape, especially considering the age.

An excellent condition 16” WWI M1905 Springfield rifle bayonet by Springfield Armory, complete with an original M1905 Type 1 Modified scabbard from RIA. Ready to display with your WWI Issue Springfield M1903 Rifle!