M1905 Springfield or Garand Bayonet made by HOTPOINT

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[Bayonetman]

This is taken from Frank Trzaska's writings.

T2 Bayonets

While visiting the recent Forks of the Delaware Gun Show in Allentown Pa. we had the pleasure of spending some time behind the table with our good friends Stan Tranquillo and Kerry Gordon. Stan had brought a special piece for us to view, a recent find of his, a Hotpoint marked T2 bayonet. Talk about rare, perhaps a handful are known to still exist. Developed during WW II as a replacement for the M1 bayonet the T2 was produced from stamping’s to speed up the production capabilities. Several variations were produced, slab sides, fullered, double edged, and short false edges just to name a few. Tested by the Army and the Marine Corps the T2 was never adopted as the benefits were not enough to cancel the M1 program. Holding a footnote in WW II bayonet history these items are a pleasure to behold and handle. Indeed a rare survivor.

http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/T2a.JPG

http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/T2e.JPG

[Bayonetman]

As I recall, there were four models, lettered A, B, C, and D for identification. There were several of each model made for test purposes. They differed in edge configuration, blade shape, fuller or no fuller, and possibly some other details. All were made with a push button catch in the pommel and were made from sheet stock rather than forgings. Meant to be simpler to make and cheaper, they were not adopted as the supply of M1 bayonets was deemed to be sufficient and the using services felt that the M1 was useable and replacement was not a necessity.

[Dan Shapiro]

The catch appears to be a reprise of the Krag bayonet, right down to two screws to hold the handle.