Bayonets
Top: M1905 Bayonet. This was a 1942 re-run of the pattern used in the Great War, but had a parkerized blade, and plastic handles. Similarly, the bayonet had a new, M3 plastic scabbard (above). Combat experience showed that such a long blade was impractical because the long blade could be more easily parried, and a penetration of four inch was all that was needed to inflict a fatal injury.
Centre: M1905 Bayonet / M1. The need to produce a shorter blade bayonet in 1943 but still keep pace with the ever-increasing army became a problem. To help speed production, the decision was made to take existing stocks of M1905 bayonets and cut the blade length down to 10 inches; a practice, which continued through to the end of the war. These cut down blades came in two styles � �beak point� (curved and tapered back from the top of the blade) and �spear point� (tapering to a tip). The spear point type is less common, as the tip of the blade occurs in the fuller (the groove designed to lighten the blade) where the metal is thinnest and, most likely to snap. It was discovered that the M7 scabbards could also be shortened and the difference between the manufactured scabbards be can be identified by a trained eye.
Bottom: M1 Bayonet. This was the intended 10-inch blade design. While it resembles the spear point blade, you�ll notice that the fuller stops a full two inches from the tip. This design has been adopted and copied by many post war European countries and care should be taken to look at the manufacturer�s name, or for a date. Similarly care should be taken to avoid the steel chape at the tip of the scabbard as well as looking for the Ordnance flaming grenade cartouche on the throat of the scabbard |
