M1 Bayonet with M7 Scabbard with Greece Markings

Description

This is a US M1 bayonet designed for use with the M1 Garand and M1903 rifles during World War II. In 1943 the US Army decided to shorten the length of the M1905 bayonet from 16" to 10". As many M1905 bayonets as possible were recalled and their blades were cut down, reground and reissued under the new designation M1905E1. At the same time the Army introduced the new M1 bayonet, designed for use with the M1 rifle. This bayonet is an original M1, a 10" long bayonet with black molded plastic grips. It was manufactured by Utica Cutlery, but the year is unknown. The bayonet is in very good condition. The blade retains approximately 95% of the original finish. It is stamped on the left side with UC/US/. The Ordnance bomb is centered between the US stamp. The serial number of KM04199 is stamped on the cross guard. The tang is stamped with the letter H. It's either an inspector's stamp or the code for a heat treatment, not sure which. The catch release for the bayonet lug and scabbard catch works perfectly. The black plastic grips are unmarred. The metal throat of the fiberglass M7 scabbard is stamped with the Ordnance bomb containing the letters E-US. There are no other stamps or marks on the scabbard anywhere. A wire cartridge belt hanger is present on the scabbard. This is a very good example of a US bayonet from World War II that saw service with a European ally, most likely Greece.