Questions about a M1905 bayonet

[themick]

Today in an antique shop I found, but have not yet purchased, a M1905 bayonet in a WWII fiberglass scabbard. The blade of the bayonet was not blued or parkerized, and in beautiful condition, the metal still being shiny. It is dated 1908 and has SPRINGFIELD stamped in it, as opposed to SA. It has the original wood grips on it, and the metal fittings are a very light gray, I think parkerized. Now, the odd thing about the blade is that the lower inch (the part with the markings) has a rainbow hue to it. It suggests to me that the hue could have come from heat. Has anyone ever seen this before? Is this something to shy away from?

 

Also, the scabbard had the hole at the tip for a tie string, but it is rather small, and only is on one side of the scabbard. In other words, it doesn't go all the way through. Is this a bid sign?

 

The price on the bayonet is $125, not bad for a M1905 in nice shape. But I wasn't comfortable with it given what I have said above. I'd really appreciate any feedback anyone could give me on this.

 

Thanks!!

Steve

[Greg Robinson]

The scabbard sounds like the WW2 M3 and sounds fine. The hole was simply for water drainage. But the bayonet sounds odd. That marking of Springfield makes me think it's NOT a Model of 1905 since all of them were either marked SA or RIA. That rainbow hue you describe could possible be signs of a reweld. Can't say for sure but it would concern me. You used to never see one of these messed with and reproductions being sold you have to be careful.

[bayonetman]

I agree with Greg, the mark is not normal and the color does sound like a possible reweld. If you are saying that the hilt and guard are colored light gray rather than dark blue, that is also a problem. Looks like a couple of red flags to me, I would be very suspicious.

[themick]

Thanks, Greg and Gary. I think I'll pass on the bayonet. If it's a reweld, it's very good as I cant make out where the break would have been. But then, I don't know what else would account for the coloring. Given all the messed with stuff out there, no need to take a chance on it.

 

Steve

[Chris_B]

On the other hand...the scabbard might be worth the price of admission alone if it's original and in good shape...but to cease playing devil's advocate here...the scabbard shouldn't actually be fiberglass, should it, if it is from the war?

 

Does the scabbard look smooth, or does it seem to have a texture, almost like the knap in a cloth?