This listing is for an absolutely STUNNING example of the classic WWI vintage bayonet for the US Model 1903 Springfield rifle, which was most likely issued during the Great War, and then later, was refurbished prior to WWII. This example started out as a standard Model 1905 bayonet, manufactured in 1909 by Rock Island Armory, and most likely left the armory with a bright blade and blued hilt fittings, with walnut grips and an early (or modified), first pattern leather scabbard w/ “Krag” type metal hanger for the early Mills belts. This bayonet presumably entered a refurbishment program between the wars, where it was cleaned up, given a new “Parkerized” finish, new walnut grip plates just LOOK at the sharp striations! , and a new “M3″ plastic sheath. The original markings are still present, and consist of “US” w/ the S/N on one side, and the initials R. A” (Rock Island Armory), flaming ordnance bomb, and date of “1909 crisply stamped into the ricasso. The latch / release mechanism functions smoothly w/ good tension, and the grips are secured through the tang via a single, slotted screw. The hilt is simply gorgeous, showing virtually NO signs of wear. The blade is also spectacular, retaining full finish, and just a barely perceptible “fingernail” catcher on the cutting edge, and couple of spots of very light peppery moisture pitting near the tip on both sides, probably acquired prior to the rework when still housed in the earlier scabbard. The scabbard itself also remains in remarkable condition, and has the proper “US / Ordnance” bomb marking on the throat (as opposed to the often-encountered replacement USN Mk1 scabbards so often found on reissued bayonets). In a nutshell, this is a fantastic looking, ultra clean reissued Great War bayonet, and would be the PERFECT example with which to accompany an early M1 or 1903/A3 rifle. From my experience at least, the vast majority of these refurbished and reissued bayonets were given the “new” ribbed plastic grips, however this example was refitted with gorgeous walnut grip plates, that show virtually no wear. A really stunning bayonet which I’m sure would please any collector. They don’t show up in this configuration this nice very often, so don’t miss this example! To receipt of invoice. Resale number and associated information are presented at checkout.