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M-1905 Bayonet Basic Information |
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The M-1905 Bayonet was adopted to be used as a knife bayonet with the Model 1903 Rifle, after it was determined that the rod bayonet, adopted earlier, did not contain the features or durability that was necessary for the modern trench warfare of the early 1900's. Because the Model 1903 Rifle was shorter than the previously used Krag Rifle, it was believed that a longer knife bayonet was needed. The trial versions of the M-1905 Bayonet were made at the Springfield Armory and dated 1905, but had no serial number. Once the bayonet was officially adopted, production began at both the Springfield Armory and the Rock Island Arsenal. Although 1906 Springfield production included a serial number on the 1906 dated bayonets, the 1906 Rock Island Arsenal bayonet did not have a serial number. The Springfield Armory produced over 1 million M-1905 Bayonets between 1905 and 1922, while the Rock Island Arsenal produced just under 0.5 million total bayonets in runs between 1906 and 1914 and then again between 1917 and 1919. Early bayonets had bright blades and blued hilts. Many bright blades were later blued and then, beginning in 1917, all blades were parkerized. At the on set of WWII, and with the adoption of the M-1 Garand Rifle, there was a recognized shortage of M-1905 Bayonets. The U. S. Government decided to contract with several civilian manufacturers to produce additional M-1905 bayonets, which many collectors have conveniently, but erroneously, dubbed M-1942 Bayonets. Variants: During 1942 and 1943, just over 1 million additional M-1905 Bayonets were produced by American Fork and Hoe, Utica Cutlery, Onieda Limited, Wilde Tool, PAL, and Union Fork and Hoe. In 1943, production was halted with the adoption of a shorter M-1 Bayonet for the M-1 Garand Rifle and orders were given to begin to cut and grind M-1905 Bayonets of all makers. The modified version was officially designated the M-1905(E1) Bayonet. Over one million M-1905 Bayonets were converted to M-1905(E1) Bayonets. The M-1905 Bayonet and its variants have become the core of many bayonet collections and are highly sought after in its many forms by novice and advanced collectors alike. Although numerous designs of modified M-1905 bayonets were produced in single or small quantities, only the M-1905 Bayonet with Silencer Guard was produced and distributed in any quantities. However, they are extremely scarce today. A M-1905 Fencing Bayonet was produced by civilian contractors. This plastic coated bayonet was issued to the U.S. Navy. |
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M-1905 Basic Data |
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| Blade Length: 16 inches | Overall Length: 20.56 inches | ||
| Blade Width: 1.031 inches | Blade Thickness: 0.248 inches | ||
| Scabbards: Original M-1905 scabbards were a wooden body with a metal throat, a russet leather covering and a Krag-style hanger, however, many variations followed. The M-1910 scabbard was adopted later and many variations exist. Finally, the M-3 scabbard was adopted and also exists in several forms. The M-7 scabbard was adopted for the (E1) model and is seen in two variants. | |||
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M-1905 examples (top down): |
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