Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a true good Condition 16” WWI M1905 Springfield rifle bayonet by Rock Island Arsenal, complete with an M1910 Scabbard. It is dated 1918, being made during the WWI period for the M1903 Springfield rifle. It is still in the original issued configuration, with the blued steel 16 inch blade, blued handle and cross guard, and wooden grip scales.
The WWII-era 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take the same blade bayonet as the M1903 Springfield rifle, so at the beginning of WWII, many were issued with bayonets originally made for those rifles.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.
Unlike almost all examples we have seen, the blade ricasso is marked with RIA, and not "SA". This indicates manufacture at Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, currently one of the largest U.S. Government weapons manufacturers. Below this is the Ordnance flaming bomb and date of manufacture 1917. The other side of the ricasso is marked with U.S. above serial number 262433. The blade is in very good condition, with just a few small nicks and wear to the finish and edge. It has definitely had post arsenal sharpening, which has altered the profile somewhat. The handle and cross guard are a nice aged blue, and the original wooden grip scales are in good condition, though the factory ribbed texture is worn away. Please consult the pictures for specifics on condition.
The scabbard included is an original WWI issue M1910 scabbard, which has a raw-hide clad wooden inner scabbard, with a steel and aluminum throat. The scabbard still has the canvas and leather "sleeve", which is so often missing. The retaining hooks are still intact, so the bayonet locks securely into the scabbard. The canvas and leather sleeve definitely shows wear, and may have been painted at some time.
A very good example of the 16” WWI M1905 Springfield rifle bayonet by Rock Island Arsenal, complete with scabbard! Ready to display or fit on your Springfield 1903 Rifle.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 16"
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Overall length: 20 1/2“
Crossguard: 3 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 17"
- This product is available for international shipping.
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