US M1905 Bayonet

[Gildwiller1918]

In 1903 the United States military adopted the M1903 rifle, caliber .30-06. In 1905 a new bayonet was placed into service to replace the original rod type bayonet for this rifle. The M1905 bayonet was 20 inches long with a 16 inch blade, it was fitted with walnut wood grips, it had a push button lock plunger to secure the bayonet to the lug on the rifle. This bayonet was made by Springfield Armory (SA) and Rock Island Arsenal (RIA). These bayonet are stamped with the initials of each arsenal, and the year made. One the other side is a serial number, although bayonets made before 1907 did not have a serial number. Ther serial number was for accountability purposes and were not issued to match up with a weapon.

From the start of production to 1917, the blade on the bayonet was a bright metal, with the remainder being blued for corrosion control. Late in 1917, both armories began bluing the blades. In the 1920's and later the bayonets were parkerized when they were overhauled. It should be noted that virtually all of the M1905 bayonets used in France were the bright blades, with hardly any of the blued blades making it there before the armistice. 

The first scabbard used was the M1905 type, which had an internal wood body covered with rawhide then covered with a smooth leather cover which was sewn together, the hanger was was a metal clip for use with the older type of field gear (example below). This was redesigned in 1909 to become the M1910 scabbard which consisted of a wooden body covered in leather with a khaki canvas covering with brass belt hooks to attach to pistol, web belts and haversacks (example below). 

This bayonet saw service in WW2 as well, marrying up with the M1903A3 Springfield rifles, as well as combat shotguns and even M1917 rifles. These bayonets could also be fitted to the M1 Garand rifles (example below), however after 1942 the blade length was reduced. 

 

[Vic]

I am looking for 4 dimensions of the 1903 US bayonet as supplied with the Springfield/Remington rifle. 1. Overall length, 2. Blade length, 3.Handle thickness, and 4. Blade thickness. I would be very much obliged if someone can supply me with this information. I thank you in anticipation. Regards, Vic

[Gildwiller1918]

Blade is 5cm thick and tapers to 3cm at the 27cm mark. Blade is 40cm long. Overall length 52cm. Handle is 25cm at the thickest part and 23cm towards the pommel.