CMP Bayonet & cartridge belt

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07-07-2010, 04:58 PM
Kirk

9 Attachment(s)

CMP Bayonet & cartridge belt

A visit to the South Store today produced this M5A1 bayonet. I am very impressed with the quality & condition. Being virtually ignorant of bayonets, it appears to be made in the US, not Greek or some other country. The scabbard is marked "USM8A1" & "PWH". The bayonet is marked "U.S.M5A1" and "MIL PAR COL". The blade & handle appear perfect; the scabbard has a few wear marks but is intact. Both came with enough cosmoline to make things interesting.

I am also impressed by the Greek version of the M1910 cartridge belt. It looks absolutely unissued; snaps & flaps perfect; buckle & hardware perfect. Smells like new canvas - not a hint of mildew. No markings. Since I do not have a US made one, I can't compare the two.

Attachment 13971 Attachment 13972 Attachment 13973 Attachment 13974
07-07-2010, 06:45 PM
Calif-Steve

What do the used bayonets look like?
07-07-2010, 07:10 PM
Kirk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calif-Steve

What do the used bayonets look like?

That is a "used" bayonet!
07-08-2010, 06:00 PM
Charlie59

Have you checked for a DOD acceptance stamp? Mine doesn't have one, and it's going back for a refund. The problem seems to be with the new ones, so far. Check over at CMP.org as there is an active thread about this. Any USGI bayonet is supposed to have the mark, at least the M5A1s anyway.

Charlie
07-08-2010, 09:21 PM
Kirk

I can not see any DAS at all, even under a magnifying glass.
07-09-2010, 08:40 AM
Dr342

I bought one as well, its new but no DAS Stamp. Not sure what to think, Im following that thread on the CMP forum as well.
07-15-2010, 02:14 PM
deserttrans

To bad these are not from WW2. WW2 scabbards are marked USM8 and the bayonets are not 1905 10 or 16 inch. Of course originals would be more expensive.
07-15-2010, 02:32 PM
Prince Humperdink

My take on it is that U.S.G.I. bayonets had the DAS stamp,and others produced by the same firms that produced the military contract bayonets are not marked.i believe that the unmarked ones were Either made up,or the "commercial" ones were sent as aid.They were also not marked after a certain date,well after the garand was "obsolete".My only problem with them is that they are being sold at the same price as DAS marked bayonets,which command a Premium.I do not think a possible commercial contract bayonet should be sold at higher end prices...just my opinion.
07-15-2010, 03:36 PM
Bill Hollinger

Is it possible these bayonets were produced by the main contractor for foreign ally nations and therefore wouldn’t need the DOD acceptance stamp?
07-15-2010, 08:10 PM
Dr342

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger

Is it possible these bayonets were produced by the main contractor for foreign ally nations and therefore wouldn’t need the DOD acceptance stamp?

Speculation is that these were produced in the U.S. for a Greek contract, therfore, no DAS stamp.
07-15-2010, 11:21 PM
Kirk

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Hollinger

Is it possible these bayonets were produced by the main contractor for foreign ally nations and therefore wouldn’t need the DOD acceptance stamp?

Evidence is coming out that the bayonets were made as late as 1976 under US Army contracts for sale to the Greek government and that the US Army had discontinued the use of the DSA stamp ca. 1965-67.

See Accessories and M5-A1 Bayonets and the DOD Acceptance Stamp question:a suggestion - CMP Forums
07-24-2010, 10:03 AM
RBruce

"I am also impressed by the Greek version of the M1910 cartridge belt. It looks absolutely unissued; snaps & flaps perfect; buckle & hardware perfect. Smells like new canvas - not a hint of mildew. No markings. Since I do not have a US made one, I can't compare the two."

Your Greek belt is significantly different from a USGI both in color and design.