This is a minty example of a Winchester made bayonet for the US M1917 Rifle with its “Type-1, Variation No.1” scabbard in Hardin’s classification. The bayonet blade shows the original bright finish that extends down into the ricasso, where is meets the blue finish of the pommel, guard and lower portion of the ricasso. (Winchester used this style of finish throughout its M1917 production.) The edges and point are excellent and the markings are crisp. The obverse bears an ordnance bomb bordered by inspection and proof marks of an eagle head and “X” over a “U.S.” The reverse bears the 1917 pattern date over a Winchester logo.

The wood grips are very good, with just a few minor dings, but little wear and good color. The grooves are distinct. The pommel and guard, like the lower ricasso show a nice blue.

The scabbard is the early US use of the British style, though with the body painted olive drab. This uses a folded leather loop riveted to the scabbard body to hold a double-ended wire belt hook. The scabbard body is solid and has excellent paint. The metal throat and tip show lots of original thin blue.

Because not enough M1903 Springfields could be produced when the US entered the war, we adopted, re-chambered and re-designated the British Pattern 1914 Enfield, which was being produced by some American manufacturers. The British pattern bayonet was not changed, though designated the US Model 1917. It kept the two grooves in the wood grip, which helped a soldier hold on to it, but more importantly for the British, had helped distinguish it from another British pattern with which it would not interchange.

This is a key piece for the U.S. bayonet collector in super condition.  [sr]

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