*US, Vietnam Era c.1962–1968, M5A1 Bayonet for M1 Garand with M8A1 Scabbard (Milpar Col/ PWH)*
U.S. M5A1 bayonet for the M1 Garand rifle, complete with correct M8A1 fibreglass scabbard and web belt hanger. The bayonet features the standard 6¾-inch blade with spear point, parkerised finish, and black checkered plastic grip scales secured by slotted screws. The improved M5A1 pattern incorporates the reinforced, recessed push-button catch, introduced to remedy durability issues encountered with the earlier M5 bayonet.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 16.7 cm. Overall length: 28.6 cm.
The crossguard is crisply stamped “US M5A1”, with the obverse marked “MILPAR COL”, identifying manufacture by Columbus Milpar & Manufacturing Co., Columbus, Ohio. Milpar-produced M5A1 bayonets are noted for their slightly more rounded spine profile when compared with examples by Utica Cutlery or Aerial Cutlery.
The bayonet is housed in a correct US M8A1 scabbard, fitted with an olive-green web belt hanger and steel wire belt hooks. The throat is stamped “US M8A1” and “PWH”, indicating assembly by the Pennsylvania Working Home for the Blind.
Historical Note:
The M5A1 bayonet was adopted in 1957 for use with the M1 Garand, replacing the M5 following reports of latch weakness in service. Production continued through the 1960s, with significant output during the Vietnam War period. Milpar became a key contractor for M5A1 bayonets following difficulties encountered with earlier M6 bayonet contracts, and their M5A1 production formed an important part of U.S. bayonet supply during this era. These bayonets also saw continued use with U.S. National Guard units.
The M8A1 scabbard represents the final evolution of the U.S. fibreglass bayonet scabbard for the M4–M7 series. The Pennsylvania Working Home for the Blind acted as the final prime contractor for M8A1 scabbards between 1965 and 1970, assembling approximately four million examples. The organisation operated as a sheltered workshop providing employment for visually impaired workers, fabricating the web belt hanger assemblies and assembling scabbards from externally supplied components. The “PWH” marking was used between 1965 and 1968, prior to the organisation’s later name change to The Working Blind, Inc., after which the “TWB” mark was adopted.
*Condition*
Bayonet retains good overall form with an even, service-worn parkerised finish. Blade shows light wear, surface marks, and polishing consistent with issue and storage, with no structural damage. Grips are intact with clear checkering and secure fit. Catch mechanism functions correctly. Scabbard body shows expected handling marks and minor losses to the surface finish, with web hanger complete and sound, showing age-consistent wear to the press stud and fabric. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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