The US entered the war still issuing the WWI vintage
M1905 Bayonet with a 16-inch blade. The M1905 would fit both the '03 and
M1 Garand. It was initially issued with the canvas-covered M1910 scabbard,
but in 1941 the more common OD plastic M3 scabbards began being issued.
WWII production M1905's have the date of manufacture stamped on them at
the base of the blade. In 1942 a cut down version of the M1905 was tested
using a 10-inch blade, which made it easier to use and saved critical steel
as well.
The M1905 bayonet was shortened to a 10" blade
in 1943. These bayonets are often referred to as the M1905E1. All types
and dates of the 16" blade M1905 bayonets were used to convert to the
shorter style. They were ground to either a spear or bowie point. (SA, RIA,
AFH, OL, PAL, UC, UFH, & WT).
In 1943 full production of the 10-inch M1 bayonet
began. The scabbard was also shortened and re-designated the M7. On the
M1 bayonet, the blood groove stops 3 inches from the tip of the blade. The
M1 was the most widely issued American bayonet of the war. This is the bayonet
to buy for reenacting.
