m4 bayonet just picked up

Gunshow got a imperial m4. the leather is in very good shape. Blade has few small nicks in it nothing too bad. No sign of sharping. Muzzle ring is tight. Has US M4, Imperial with flaming bomb on it. Pommel has sunburst staking. Odd shape Not almost square like most I have seen pictures of. The pommel has no other markings on it?
The scabbard has USM8 with B M Co. back side has a very small v wtih a big P? Not sure only way to describe it. with a 5 under it. Also one of the ears is bent down and has B 1 over 3 N on it. Over all it seams to be in vey good conditions.

Big question doe it good/ correct? It does to me. No markings on the pommel is that a problem? Also looks as if it was painted not sure? Pictures follow because they are fun.

https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...ohv46oq2-1.jpghttps://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...chjdvk6p-1.jpghttps://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...yh4xfa35-1.jpghttps://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...2jyvy5hv-1.jpghttps://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...oqtp1oa6-1.jpghttps://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...wlithbyn-1.jpg

Any comments on what I have and if it is a good one would be appreaciated. Gun show goes tomorrow so I can take it back if need be. But I think it looks legit. But I was researching on my phone while looking at it.

Do an online search for Bayonet Points. Lots of good information can be found there. The pommel will usually show a Hemphill or Standard Products marking. Your pommel photo is a bit "fuzzy" - looks like it's been dipped in something. If the tip of the scabbard is good and doesn't have a metal reinforcement, that's a plus. The M8 looks like an original without the extension and metal hook. I see similar sets selling for around $150-$175. I've got an Imperial bayonet that's pretty close in condition to yours and I value just the knife at $125. Looks pretty good! - Bob

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Originally Posted by USGI

Your pommel photo is a bit "fuzzy" - looks like it's been dipped in something.

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Looks like the pommel was a bit loose and re-staked at the bottom corners. Then they repaint them to keep the rust in check...you can see the paint on the sides too. We could use a clearer pic though...nice blade.

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Originally Posted by chopperbobby

Also one of the ears is bent down

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Forgot to mention that in my previous post. Actually one of them has been bent up. - Bob

I see that now, you could fix that by setting it against your work bench top and pressing it back down...

Try to get better pic of pommel
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...pvlnbfug-1.jpg
https://www.milsurps.com/images/impo...qyhsuboq-1.jpg

might try and bet heavy paint off and see is any markings below it.

Not sure but looks like part of an S on the bottom. Smooth looks etched Almost back wards C below the starburst.

not bet the paint off but get the paint off

I see the sunburst is complete now, I'd withdraw the comment of it being peened to tighten. It was likely just worn and they covered it. It's far more effort to strip one of those than an M1 rifle bayonet so parkerizing takes a back seat. If you remove the paint, which was put on by the military, you'll likely have a silver pommel.

thanks browningautorifle the knife looks so good next to the pommel they really did a bad job of painting it

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Originally Posted by chopperbobby

they really did a bad job of painting it

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Yes...you can likely make it a better job.

The "S" could be a Standard Products marking like the one below. - Bob

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Originally Posted by chopperbobby

they really did a bad job of painting it

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Workmanship like that.... We called them ' Scab Blue Jean Painters'
Pro's wear white.

You gonna hang your brass catching smelt net from that fancy bayonet? :dancingbanana:

Had to give you a dig. That WRA is looking nice.

Cheers
Charlie-PAINTER777 (The Guy Wearing White )

That paint should come away with a rag and acetone, keep it clear of the handle though...very careful.

Thanks all. I have 6 weeks home to work on it. Suggestions on finish if I get it off. Leave it and just oil it? Blue iT? Or paint it?

You can probably do a good job of cold blue if you prep it right and use a good blue.

You may find it still has the parkerizing under it. :thup: - Bob

Thanks all

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Originally Posted by USGI

it still has the parkerizing under it

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Agreed, probably. This was just a stop gap. Just a touch up.