rare dates on RIA and SA bayonets

[Col. Colt]

At what point (date or serial number) did the RIA (and SA) bayonets start getting blued instead of the "bright blade"? How about the switch to parkerized?

[Tom Doniphon]

Springfield switched to the blue finish around mid 1917, probably around s/n 700,000. They started to parkerize the blades in late 1918.

[5MadFarmers]

I'm glad Tom answered that as my answer to both questions would have been: "I have no idea." I really am not a bayonet collector. The point of this exercise has been to eventually see how the "observed numbers" compare to the production ones. Given people were wondering what the rare dates are, and I had the table, I figured I'd post what I have. As noted 1917 witnessed blued bayonets and there are other variations so what is "rare" and what isn't needs to take into consideration aspects other than year. At that point you've well, and easily, exceeded my knowledge on these so you'd be better served by others answering as I simply do not know. I'll also reiterate that I kind of suck at tracking them and that was driven home by how easily I was able to tighten the ranges 3 times in the last week off eBay alone. That doesn't even consider what you guys have added so thanks.

This might be useful. Updated for information provided. If I missed one please let me know. Let's remember that 1906 had undated ones and that'll invalidate the side totals - the grand total is of numbered ones alone.

[thorin6]

I have a 1918 M1905 bayonet, SA with SN 1041323 which is a bit higher than the number in your column for 1918. Its been nickeled for parade or ceremonial use.

[Larry G.]

I looked at my SA and RIA bayonets and found a SA 1917 cut down with a clip point with serial number 763581 that will raise the high number.

email sent also.

[edpm3]

Here's the 1913 SA:

[dryheat]

Hi, here is one that may not pertain to the thread but since it's an RIA 1913 I thought I'd drop it by. This is a chromed parade bayo I just picked last week. I know nothing aboout bayonets, although this thread is very interesting and just the kind of thing I like. The numbers are:241615 stamped over UFH. It's a Bowie style cut down.



Photo won't stay put.

[Dick Hosmer]

It's Union Fork & Hoe, isn't it? In any event it extends 5MF's chart for 1913 at RIA.

My only 1905 (which is in a 1910 scabbard) is a very nice bright blade/blue line SA 1913, in the 577xxx range - no new ground broken there.

[dryheat]

The reason I am unsure about the "pedigree" of my bayonet is that is is marked RIA on one side and UFH on the other. The number does seem to extend the list of RIA 1913's.

[Bayonetman]

RIA was the original maker in 1913 and serial numbered it. Union Fork and Hoe was the company that shortened the blade from 16 inches to 10 inches in 1943-45.

[dryheat]

The weird part is,if you look at the picture I posted you sure can make a case for the number being stamped OVER the UFH marking. I sure looks that way to me but that doesn't seem to make sense.

[sdkrag]

5MF-
I have Springfield dated 1916, serial number 633747. RIA 1918, serial number 422133.

[dave]

I have a un-dated RIA with what I believe is an alum scabbard. It is stamped RIA 1906 E.E.B. The throat part that can be seen is a dull gray and is metal. Unfortunitly the hanger is broke off. Bayo is excellent and original finish.

[Bill D]

I have a un-dated RIA with what I believe is an alum scabbard. It is stamped RIA 1906 E.E.B. The throat part that can be seen is a dull gray and is metal. Unfortunitly the hanger is broke off. Bayo is excellent and original finish.

In Gary Cunningham's book, "American Military Bayonets of the 20th Century, two different models of 1906 scabbard used aluminum. In what Cunningham describes as the scabbard, Model of 1905, 2nd type, he says ". . . .an aluminum insert covers the wood in the aperture." He goes on to describe a "3rd type - experimental" in which he says ". . . .the wood body was replaced with one of drawn aluminum."

Is yours complete with the leather cover?

Bill

[UBNext]

RIA 1906 no serial

I have an RIA 1906 with no serial in a RIA (HEK)1907 scabbord. Any one know anything about these or interested in it? I will try and post pics later. In great shape very little rust, I think maybe release is missing.