Model 1905 Serial numbers

[Bob Walker]

I recently purchased a 1920 dated 1905 Springfield bayonet and noticed something I haven't encountered before. The serial number on the 1920 is 8,630 numbers lower than my 1919 dated blade. Has anyone else seen this before?

[Col. Colt]

If I was to hazard a guess, I would say that the raw blades had been pre-made, serial numbered and stockpiled, and were simply not assembled in any particular order. When they sent someone to get "another 500 blades", he just got what was closest to the door....... CC

[thorin6]

As I understand it, serial numbers were put on the blades (and rifles) by Springfield to allow the military to account for the items and not as a means of control over their manufacture. Serial numbers only meant something once the bayonet and rifle left Springfield Armory for distribution.
I don't think they really cared about how collectors a ninety or so years in the future would try to understand what they did.

[5MadFarmers]

I recently purchased a 1920 dated 1905 Springfield bayonet and noticed something I haven't encountered before. The serial number on the 1920 is 8,630 numbers lower than my 1919 dated blade. Has anyone else seen this before?

Only 8,630? The current record is 31,825.

That overlap also exists on RIA marked 1905s as well as Model of 1905 Hospital Corps Knives.