U.S. M1905 Bayonet Value Guide

The U.S. M1905 Bayonet is a premier example of early 20th-century military hardware, featuring a distinctive 16-inch sword-style blade designed for the M1903 Springfield. Its collectibility is driven by its impressive length and the fact that many original specimens were later shortened during WWII, making full-length survivors highly sought after.

What affects the value of U.S. M1905 Bayonet?

• Originality of the finish, specifically the presence of the correct Parkerized coating or early bright steel.
• The presence and condition of a matching scabbard, such as the M1910 canvas-covered or M3 fiberglass versions.
• Manufacturer rarity, with early production runs from Wilde Tool often commanding higher interest.
• Overall blade condition, including the absence of sharpening marks or tip damage.

How to Identify U.S. M1905 Bayonet?

• Check for manufacturer stamps at the base of the blade from Springfield Armory (SA), Rock Island Arsenal (RIA), PAL, or Wilde Tool.
• Verify the blade length is exactly 16 inches to ensure it was not a later M1 conversion.
• Look for the 'U.S.' mark and the year of production (1905-1943) stamped on the ricasso.
• Examine the grip material, which should be either original walnut or later-issue ribbed plastic.

History of U.S. M1905 Bayonet

Adopted in 1905 for the Springfield M1903 rifle, this bayonet featured a 16-inch blade based on the philosophy that a longer reach was necessary for infantry combat. While many were shortened during World War II to create the 10-inch M1 bayonet, this example retains its full original length. It was manufactured by major contractors such as Springfield Armory, Rock Island Arsenal, and during the early WWII years by companies like PAL and Wilde Tool.