CMP bayonet: New or Used?

[Kirk]

A visit to the South Store today produced this M5A1 bayonet. The scabbard is marked "USM8A1" & "PWH". The bayonet is marked "U.S.M5A1" and "MIL PAR COL".

The blade & handle appear perfect; the scabbard has a few wear marks but is intact. So, are they used or new? Did I get a "better than advertised" used on or did I foolishly spend $15 more than needed?
IMG_1450..JPGIMG_1451..JPGIMG_1452..JPGIMG_1453..JPGIMG_1455..JPG

http://www.thecmp.org/accessories.htm

[Bob - The Beagle Master]

According to the CMP website the new ones are "GARAND BAYONET M5A1 w/M8A1 SCABBARD - New -unissued - excellent condition (bayonet and scabbard). Price $60 each plus S&H." The one pictured shows no wear around the snap and has a leather thong. I guess the questions is, are you happy with your bayonet? If you're happy then you spent the right amount.

[Kirk]

Very satisfied - it's a Used bayonet.

[Mike Haas]

Kirk - Does your bayonet have a DAS stamp??

http://www.thecmp.org/forums/showthread.php?t=20146

[Bob - The Beagle Master]

Using a penlight and a magnifying glass, and almost standing on my head, I did finally find a very faint DA on mine and I've had it for 25 years or more. On Mike's link it does say that towards the end of manufacture they MAY have quit using the stamp so it all seems to be a moot point.

[Kirk]

No DAS stamp I can see, even with a magnifying glass. I don't believe, as others have said, that mine was refinished over pitting. I can't see any pitting nor do I see any grinding or wire wheel marks; all surfaces are smooth & pristine.

[Bayonetman]

I have viewed the thread here and on the CMP forum that the link shows on these bayonets. I emailed Orest some time back about these, and he freely admitted that he, and probably no one else there, knew much about bayonets. They have volunteers sorting these into new and used, and I don't think they know too much either. I was invited to come to Anniston and spend some time helping out, and if it were not for my financial resources being quite limited, I probably would have done so. From what I have seen in the posted photos, I am somewhat surprised to see that the bayonets do not appear to be US issue. The MILPAR COL bayonets are somewhat suspect simply because many (probably thousands) of them were commercially sold and did not meet military specifications. These came from Greece (no question) so the questions is: 1. Were these sold or given to Greece by the US military? 2. Were at least some purchased by Greece from US commercial sources? 3. If they were supplied by the US military, were they from US stocks, or purchased on Military Aid contracts and not intended for US issue?

My listing of some bayonets and scabbards supplied by the US to various foreign countries (http://www.usmilitaryknives.com/bayo_points_26.htm) shows that 17, 538 M5A1 bayonets were supplied to Greece in 1963 and there may have been other shipments that I have not located. These are listed as being source K, which indicates they were to be furnished from existing stocks.

I would really like to be able to look at these bayonets. Both in the photos I have seen have the wrong runout (backcut). The scabbard does appear to be a standard US issue item.

[milsurpman]

Added info, Orest posted the markings on the packing material the new bayonets and scabbards came in.

Quote:
The box of bayonets has the following information on the label:
30 each
C/C 12/76
DAAA09-76-C-6658
CU. .77 WT. 25
The box is stenciled 1005-00-336-8568
I do know DAAA09 was the designation for the US Army Armamments Command back then. There were 30 bayonets in the carton. The "76" is the year of the contract.

The scabbards came two to a MIL-B-117 pack and the bag is labeled:
1095-508-0339
Scabbard, Bayonet Knife, M8A1
2 Ea.
DAAF01-69-F-8756
A/ 10//69
:quote end
These bayonets are very late date. very interesting

[JimF4m1s]

Quick check, the grind on the blade should be verticle not at an angle towards the handle.

[Kirk]

M5A1 guard & grind

Below are pictures of the guard where the DSA stamp is supposed to be and the grind marks on the blade. The grind marks are straight down. I can post pics of other features if you wish.

IMG_1460..JPGIMG_1461..JPGIMG_1462..JPGIMG_1463..JPG

[Mike Haas]

Fwiw..

I had ordered two (2) of the new M5-A1 bayonets on 7/6/10. Then the pictures starting showing up here & on the CMP thread. With that info in hand I re-visited 'Bayo-Points' and concluded these were unlikely to be USGI..No DAS..I further concluded that they were likely US Made for 'Foriegn Use' - Bayonetmans post above re-affirms my research.

I cancelled my order yesterday afternoon and I'm glad I did. I don't mind supporting CMP's mission but these M5-A1 bayonets are premium priced for IMO non-USGI Bayonets. I'll watch the offerings CMP posts for earlier model bayo's when they come up.

Thanks Bayonetman for your info and as things have shaken out maybe CMP should have found a way to "pay for your expenses" while you "volunteered" your expertise.

[Bob - The Beagle Master]

It seems like it would have been a good idea...............

For Orest to pay bayonetman's expenses since he seems to possess the expertise on bayonets. I'm like most people, I have guns and I like to have accountrements like bayonets to go along with them, but I'm sure not an expert. I've always gone on the theory that if I thought something was a good deal, then it's a good deal. I've got bayonets and I've got a couple of books on bayonets but that's the extent of my knowledge. I really does seem that the CMP bayonets are pricey but that's just my opinion.

[musketjon]

That's precisely why I bought mine on Evilbay. It's a J&D Tool Co M5-1 WITH the DAS AND it was cheaper than the CMP. The CMP isn't always your best bet.
Jon

[Bob - The Beagle Master]

Here's one you can bid on. New in wrap and has the DAS on it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/US-Korean-War-Era-M-5-A1-Imperial-Bayonet-/260628194770?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3caea6a5d2

And yet another:

http://cgi.ebay.com/USM5M1-Garand-Bayonet-Korean-Era-/300443360481?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item45f3d1dce1

Or there's this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bayonet-M1-Garand-M5A1-Imperial-Korea-Vietnam-unused-/200493106900?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eae5206d4

One last one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bayonet-M1-Garand-M5A1-MILPAR-COL-Korea-Vietnam-unused-/200493106975?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2eae52071f

As you can see CMP ain't the only game in town!

[JBinIll]

Never been much into bayonets this new.After reading all the posts about these I think I'll get a copy of bayonetman's book.I see more people making comments as to pricing for what they are than anything else.Over the last almost 60 years I have determined one unalterable fact of life,there is ALWAYS somebody selling it cheaper than the place I bought it at.