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I found a Camillus M4 bayonet for $40. The only problem is, it has plastic handles like a Conetta or Bren-Dan. I read through the "Bayonet Points" chapters on M4 bayonets, but did not find reference to them (Camillus) ever having plastic handles. I do know in 1993, they produced a M4 for commercial sale, and I am guessing that is what it is.
Appreciate any info.
Maybe the leather was bad/gone and someone put on replacement handles.
What kind of markings on the guard - and is it a narrow profile or wide? - Bob
Wide hilt. “US M4 CAMILLUS”
They did replace the leather with Bakelite for Korea and later. They also made repros like you suspect. I had a nice repro that I was happy to display with my carbine because it looked so good...
US Military Knives Bayonets & Machetes Book #3 by M. H. Cole will answer you questions about originality. Great book but now i9s getting pricey $150 and up. The later "The Best of Military Knives bayonets & Machetes By M. H. Cole editited by Mike Silvey runs $300+. It is a compilation of all the Cole books. Maybe no bargains but great information drawings and pictures. Cole has been considered the top guy on US Military knives before he passed. I have #3 and #4 plus the Silvey compilation. Hours and hours of great reading. They were my education into the knife world.
You could also invest in Cunninghams book of US Bayonets. Excellent book with tons of illustrations, and a lot less expensive than Coles.
I think the repo bayonets had leather handles too. Not 100% sure I never bought one but I did buy a repo M3 it was for sure leather handled. A lot of rebuilt bayonets were re-imported in the 90s that had the leather handles replaced with plastic grips.
If you know what to look for, the repops are easy to spot.