10" M1 Garand Bayonets...

I know of late we've been discussing the early 16" bayonet for our 82nd MTO impression but with a birthday looming i was looking at replacing my repro 10" bayonet with an original.

Found a selection available at D&B Militaria http://www.dandbmilitaria.com/ww2-bayonets-77-c.asp but was unsure as to their originality as they seem awfully cheap???

One appears to be a cut down 16" bayonet which i know did occur so may give it some provenance (although i'm sure just as easily done to a repro?) and the scabbards 'seem' ok but the markings on one or two of the other blade seem reminisent of those on my repro... 'WT US 1942"??

Am i being too suspicious or are they genuinely what they seem??? Advice please folks!?!?!

Any help would be much appreciated!!!!

Dan

I cant remember what I paid for mine. The scabbards look okay in the D and B pccies, but probably best to see in the flesh, why dont you ask if they are taking any to Belters?

I am still considering buying one of the repro 16" bayonets and getting some Costino industries staff to work their mojo on it...

I think that is about the price I payed for mine , that was couple years back from Malvern.

They look ok to me but best to get your hands on them before giving over your hard earned

Dan I think they look ok if I'm honest but I could be wrong I know! I can't see re-pro ones being copied of a cut down 16 inch.

My only thinking as to their cheapness is the possibility that they could well be post war manufacture as that maker doesn't ring a bell with me as being a WW2 manaufacture.

Well, all of the Scabbards are Portuguese (from the photos I can see on their site, anyway). The markings on them would seem to refer to "Wilde Drop Forge & Tool", which if my memory serves me correctly only produced the 16" M1905 bayonet.

The 10" M1 Bayonets were produced by the following companies:

- American Fork & Hoe
- Oneida LTD
- PAL Blade & Tool
- Rock Island
- Springfield
- Utica Cutlery
- Union Fork & Hoe

If I were you, I would save my cash and get one with a US bayonet. The markings look a little odd to me, and especially since they're all the same manufacturer, makes me think they've been added by someone who lacks scruples. I'm not saying the Bayonets themselves are reproduction (in fact the cut-down 16" examples are original), but it's likely that they're Portuguese re-issues which have had the markings removed, and then added back on...

Cheers,
Ben.

Hmm, that's odd - when I posted the above I could have sworn they had a regular M1 Bayonet (i.e. that wasn't cut down) with the same markings... Maybe someone's bought it?

Cheers,
Ben.

Not guilty, although there seems to be a thread on the WW2 forum http://www.wwiireenacting.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=69597 looks like it may of been TFH???

Thought i'd wait for your opinion Ben before making a decision, i guess i'll wait and see whats at Beltring then in a few weeks!

Cheers guys though for casting your expert eye(s) first.

Well, Wilde Tool Bayonets are rare, and the markings themselves look OK. But like I said, I can't see any US markings on the Scabbard Throat and I wonder if the markings are original to the blades. It might be worthwhile contacting them for a close-up of Throat, or asking if they're marked?

Cheers,
Ben.

Update: Again, cheers Ben for your wise words. Thought i'd pose the very question to the dealer this morning and... no reply as yet!?!?!?!



We shall see!

Incidentally, did a bit of research off the back of your advice Ben and learnt that Wilde Tool Company lost their contract to supply the military with bayonets PRE the introduction of the 10" version which makes me somewhat suspicious as to how/why they have one (not cut down) for sale?!?!?!

Will keep you posted!

Thanks Dan, that's what first flagged it up with me, too!

Cheers,
Ben.