Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice service used WWI production M1905 U.S. bayonet with a 10 inch cut-down blade for the M1 Garand Rifle, complete with the correct WWII Issue M7 scabbard. In 1943, the U.S. Army made the decision to shorten the M1905 bayonet's blade to 10 inches (25.4 cm) and as many of the M1905 and M1942 bayonets were recalled, their blades were cut down to size, and were reissued. These shortened M1905 bayonets were re-designated as M1905E1.

The U.S. Army also introduced a new purpose-made shorter M1 bayonet which was designed to be used with the M1 Garand rifle. The M1 bayonet's blade is 10 inches (25.4 cm) long and the handle is 4 inches (10.1 cm) long. Like this example, they are easily identified by the blade fuller, which on a cut-down version runs to the edge of the blade, such as the blade on this example.

These shorter bayonets functioned well in the European theater, where in the rare bayonet-actions of the time they were matched up against the 9​ 3⁄4 inch long blade of the German S84/98 III bayonet fitted on the Karabiner 98k rifle. However, in the Pacific theater, the Japanese used the much longer, 15.75 inches (40.0 cm), bladed Type 30 sword bayonet on the already very long Arisaka rifle, which caused many American troops to retain the longer, unmodified M1905 bayonet.

This example is in very fair shape, but does show wear from age and use. The blade ricasso is marked with RIA for the Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois, one of the most well-known manufacturers in U.S. History. Below this is the Ordnance flaming bomb and date of manufacture 1918. The other side of the ricasso is marked with U.S. above serial number 384762.

Tracing the history of this bayonet, it was originally produced during WWI, and may have seen service between the wars. With the outbreak of WWII, at some point it was refinished with a parkerized finish and had the original wooden grips replaced with plastic. It was also cut down to M1905E1 at some point, but we think this happened after it was reissued, as the changes to the blade removed the parkerized finish. Had it been refinished afterwards, the blade would not have had the finish removed. Definitely a bayonet with great history!

Condition is very good, with the blade retaining much of the parkerized finish, and having a lightly stained bright steel finish where it was modified. The grip has lots of finish left and the plastic is still in good shape.

The original M7 scabbard is in good condition, though it was over-painted entirely with OD Green several times, which has chipped a lot over time. The U.S. flaming bomb is still visible on the metal end. Most of these were made by Beckwith Manufacturing, who produced a variety of thermoplastic impregnated cotton fabric scabbards during the war. The many coats of paint give it a lovely look only achieved after long service.
A very nice 10” cut down M1 Garand bayonet by Springfield Armory, modified during WWII and complete with an M7 Scabbard. Ready to display or fit on your Garand Rifle.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Overall length: 14 1/2“
Crossguard: 3 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 11 1/4"