Saipan Found** WWII U.S.M.C. M1942 Pattern M1 Garand Bayonet & Scabbard. 21407. Bayonets

This bayonet and scabbard were found on the island of Saipan (Saipan was under Spanish sovereignty from 1565 to 1899 and came under German rule from 1899 to 1914. It was made a Japanese mandate in 1920. During World War II the successful U.S. led Allied invasion and capture of the island (June–July 1944) was one of the fiercest land battles in the Pacific theatre) where it was being used by a local farmer to chop wood for kindling. Despite initial setbacks, the M1905 bayonet was manufactured in sufficient numbers to keep up with the widespread introduction of the new M1 Garand rifle in 1942. By the end of 1942, all six manufacturers had changed the shape of their fullers to a narrower, round-bottomed shape. The later version of the M1905 bayonet with plastic grips is sometimes referred to as the "M1942" by collectors and historians. This is a WII M1942 Bayonet (see White & Watts ‘The Bayonet Book’ item 927 pages 412). The 16” long steel blade with fullers is stamped 1942 *obscured*. The correct plastic grips are correctly held by a single screw- minor movement in the crossguard. The plastic has knocks, bumps and bruises to be expected. The bayonet has the correct press button at the cross guard which releases the locking catch on the rifle and also holds the bayonet firmly in the scabbard. The scabbard is the M3 plastic variant with ignited grenade ‘US’ (army) mark on the throat mount. The throat has the correct double hook belt bar. The price includes U.K. delivery. 21407.