Correct finish on post 1917 M1905 blades?

[Rick the Librarian]

There was a gentleman who posted this picture of a 1920 SA on the CMP forum. He asked me if the finish on the blad was original for 1920. I told him I didn't think so, but I thought I'd post it for your opinion(s). Never seen the different-colored band near the crosspiece like that.

[Larry G.]

My guess and only a guess is that the blade didn't make it completly into the parkerizing solution.

[Bayonetman]

That is the correct and normal finish for the 1919 and 1920 dated Model 1905 bayonets made at Springfield. The difference in color is due to the way the polishing was done and to some degree to the heat treatment, but is normal and correct for this bayonet. In fact, it is the best way to determine if the finish is (1) Parkerizing (as opposed to the "war finish" blue used in 1917 and 1918, and (2) if the bayonet was refinished at a later time.

[Rick the Librarian]

Never seen a "split finish" on a post 1917 bayonet before. As Mr. Spock would say, "Interesting".

[Bayonetman]

Although it does not show as distinctly on these two (I use pretty bright lights which makes the dark part appear lighter), I think you can see the color separation between the ricasso and blade.

[Rick the Librarian]

Thanks for posting the pictures, Gary ... if you say bit was done that way, I believe it.