When the government adopted the shortened version of the 1905 bayonet for the M1 Garand in 1943 a large number of the longer 1905 bayonets were simply shortened to match the new production and designated the M1905E1. This one has a Springfield Armory SA/Ordnance Bomb marking on the ricasso and a 1918 date. It was modified to bring it up to the M1942 standards by substituting the newer plastic grips, and shortening the blade to match the new M1 bayonets adopted in early 1943, which is evident by the fuller running clear across the tip. Fashioning the tip into a spearpoint was determined to weaken it because there was less metal at the tip due to the fuller, thus many were given a “beak” point. This one has not only the beak point, but an uncommon back edge, giving rise to the term “Bowie” point among collectors. Ironically, the back edge reduces the amount of metal at the tip and works against the reason for using a “beak” point in the first place. There is no secondary commercial stamping indicating who did the modification, making it likely to have been done at Springfield.

The blade retains its older dark, blued finish and is in very good condition, with minor rubbing, a few sharpening marks and a patch of light pitting at the ricasso. The grips show minor wear, with no cracks or large chips, just a little rust on the recessed screwhead on the reverse and a very few tiny scrapes in the plastic. Pommel and crossguard show smooth metal and good color, though with a small area of standing rust on obverse of the muzzle ring. The scabbard is the M7 (briefly designated the M3A1,) in very good shape, with just a little raised rust at the rim of the metal throat that will clean.  [sr]

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