*US, WW2, M1 Knife Bayonet by American Fork & Hoe Co. with original Scabbard*
This is a bayonet originally designed for use with the caliber .30–06 U.S. Rifle M1, which was created by John Garand. It was also compatible with the caliber .30–06 M1903 and M1903A3 rifles. In 1942, the Cavalry Board proposed an experiment involving a shorter 10-inch blade. To achieve this, M1905 bayonets were modified by cutting them down to 10 inches and designated as M1905E1. Additionally, 16-inch M3 scabbards were shortened to the M7 length. The shorter blade proved highly effective and was officially adopted as the standard bayonet in early 1943, known as the Bayonet M1.
Production of the M1 bayonet took place between 1943 and 1945. Various manufacturers contributed to its production, including American Fork & Hoe Co., Oneida, Ltd., Pal Blade Co., Utica Cutlery Co., and Union Fork & Hoe Co. Approximately 2.9 million of these bayonets were manufactured during World War II. In 1953, a post-war production run yielded 77,549 M1 bayonets, which were produced by Utica Cutlery Co.
This knife bayonet has a 24.6cm blade, 36cm overall. It is stamped on the ricasso AFH “U.S.” w/ordnance ‘bomb’. It was made by American Fork & Hoe Co. between 1943-45. It also has an H stamped on the pommel. The scabbard also has the “U.S.” w/ordnance ‘bomb’ engraved. The M7 plastic scabbard used with the M1 bayonet was identical to the M3 scabbard, except for length. All were produced by Victory Plastics Co. in Hudson, MA.
*Condition*
The blade is in very good condition with some of the original blueing remining. There is some tarnishing/discolouration to the cross piece, tang and pommel. The grip is in good condition with some service related wear and tear. The press button is in working order. The scabbard is in good condition and fits snugly. It has minor, service related signs of wear and tear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
