Funny Grips on CMP Pal Bayonet

[Wick]

Received this bayonet from the CMP recently. It is a modified Pal from 1942 or43. Any idea on the grip panels? They look like a half-disolved hard-candy version of WW2 brown plastic.

[Johnny in Texas]

I would say chemical damage from degreaser. Like carburator cleaner.

[Bayonetman]

Yes, the red-brown grips had that problem. Quoted from Bayonet Points #23: "Cellulose Acetate Butyrate (commonly called CAB) was allowed as an alternative material. After some time in field use, it was reported that CAB was not resistant to the solvents used to degrease the bayonets in the field and would dissolve the grips. About 100,000 CAB grips were manufactured before they were discontinued due to this problem in April 1943."

[Wick]

That would explain it. Thanks, folks!