Model 1901 Springfield parts showing up

[Fred]

I've noticed over the past few weeks that there have been several parts that have showed up for sale on eBay that are for the experimental Model 1901 Springfield Armory rifle. One of these is up for sale now. I believe it is a rod bayonet for the 1901 Springfield. Here is a link to it ..
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Unknown-Variant-of-US-Trapdoor-Rod-Bayonet-M188418891903-Hybrid-/111926807088
There was a mint rear barrel band sold recently that was also for what I believe was a 1901 Springfield.
recently a Model 1901 barrel chambered in 30-03 and rear sight base were sold on eBay and if I'm not mistaken, a Model 1901 receiver was also available by that same seller for transfer to anyone via FFL.
Anyway, isn't it interesting what surfaces for sale sometimes.
I wouldn't know where to begin looking for such parts, but apparently they do show up from time to time.

[Dick Hosmer]

Fred, at first glance, I'd think it is more likely an incomplete M1888 rod which was rejected at some point in manufacture.

[Fred]

Might be Dick. However I'm wondering how long the M1888 bayonet was...? I'm going to try and find some information on the 1901 experimental models in Brophy's book.

[Dick Hosmer]

I'll verify the length of an 1888 rod tonight, but I'm SURE it is nowhere NEAR his 29.5" FWIW, I do not believe that an 1888 would enter a .30 bore, but will check that as well.

[Fred]

I would've thought that the rod on an 1888 would be a tad longer.
I would think that the rod diameter is different between a 1901/1903 and an 1888 bayonet. Did the experimenatal .30 trapdoors have 1888 type rods? If so, I wonder what difference their rods were from the 45/70 rods?

[Dick Hosmer]

M1888 (and M1884 Exp.) rod bayonets are 35-5/16" long, with a major diameter of .315", leaving one to draw their own conclusions about the one on Ebay - but I still doubt VERY much that it is anything remotely rare or desirable.