Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of a U.S. Model 1905 bayonet manufactured in 1942 by Union Fork & Hoe, complete with its original World War II issue M3 fiberglass scabbard. Although officially designated the Model 1905 by the U.S. Army, collectors commonly refer to these wartime-produced examples with black plastic grips as the M1942 bayonet.

When the United States entered the Second World War, the newly adopted M1 Garand rifle continued to utilize the same 16-inch bayonet originally developed for the M1903 Springfield rifle. Existing stocks of Model 1905 bayonets were supplemented by newly manufactured examples produced under wartime contracts. To accelerate production, six civilian manufacturers—including Union Fork & Hoe—produced over 1.5 million Model 1905 bayonets between April 1942 and May 1943, incorporating molded black plastic grip panels in place of the earlier walnut grips.

In 1943, the Army adopted the shorter 10-inch blade configuration to improve handling and reduce manufacturing time. Large numbers of existing 16-inch bayonets were subsequently shortened during arsenal refurbishment and redesignated. This example escaped those modifications and remains in its original full-length 16-inch configuration, making it a desirable survivor of early wartime production.

The ricasso is correctly marked UFH for Union Fork & Hoe of Columbus, Ohio, above U.S. and the Ordnance flaming bomb, with the manufacture date 1942 beneath. The parkerized finish is now mostly gone, as the blade exhibits substantial finish loss from service, with similar wear to the crossguard. The cutting edge has been heavily sharpened, as shown.

The bayonet retains its original ribbed black plastic grip panels, which remain in very good condition and are securely mounted to the hilt.

Included is the correct World War II M3 fiberglass scabbard. The parkerized steel throat is marked U.S. above the Ordnance flaming bomb and remains in very good condition overall. The B N marking beneath the throat identifies manufacture by Beckwith Manufacturing, with the steel throat produced under contract by New England Pressed Steel. The throat now exhibits heavy oxidation, although the integral belt hook remains fully functional. The fiberglass body is free of cracks or significant chips and retains its original finish with only minor wear from service.

A fine original World War II Model 1905 (M1942) bayonet, this example combines desirable Union Fork & Hoe manufacture, an unaltered full-length 16-inch blade, original plastic grips, and its correct M3 scabbard. Full-length wartime bayonets that escaped the widespread post-1943 shortening program have become increasingly difficult to find and are an excellent addition to any U.S. military edged weapons or M1 Garand collection.

Specifications:

Blade Length: 16"
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Overall length: 20 1/2“
Crossguard: 3 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 17"