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Legacy Member
M1905 Bayonet Questions
My grandfather gave me this 1908 SA M1905 bayonet yesterday. Its missing its grips and the scabbard is a 1907 RIA. The scabbard also has a rip in the stitching at the tip. First off, does anyone know where i can find original SA grips with the screw? Secondly, does anyone have any advice on how I might can repair the tear on the scabbard? Third, he wrapped the tear with electrical tape probably 30 years ago so all the sticky stuff from the tape is still on the tip from when I removed the tape so Im wondering if anyone has any advice on removing it from the leather? Fourth, although i could never bring myself to sell it I was wondering how much the bayonet might be worth simply out of curiosity? Ive attached pics below. Bayonets are definitely not my expertise so id greatly appreciate any help yall can give me. Thanks yall!!
https://m.imgur.com/a/k2RtiLx
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10-19-2018 08:04 PM
# ADS
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Advisory Panel
You can find the grip scales on Ebay and screws too...the scabbard cover also should just be replaced, you can't sew it. We'd need clear pics of what's left of the bayonet to assess what value it may have left.
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Contributing Member
The scabbard looks to be in pretty good shape. I wouldn't replace it. It's also an early model, 2nd pattern I believe. It looks like something got shoved inside it which caused it to expand. I'd try pulling that out and then sewing the stitching with the appropriate thread. The bayonet itself is not in the best of shape so it will not bring top dollar. Looks like some major pitting on the cross guard which is a possible reason for the missing grips, bad water damage. It is definitely collectible still, just at the lower end due to condition. A similar bayonet with the same scabbard in very good shape sold for $450 recently on ebay. Now this had a bright shiny blade, no rust on the metal, 90% finish on the metal, clean scabbard with no leather cracks. Yours in the condition it's in with new grips would probably be in the $100-$200 range.
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Advisory Panel
Now I see the pics, you have the early scabbard. Those are harder to find but yours is hard put... I'd clean the bayonet and replace the walnut scales, then it will bring a better price. The scabbard is what it is though...
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Legacy Member
"...you can't sew it..." Because the rawhide is dried out. Any attempt to remove the thread and re-sew will make it worse. Mostly due to it being wood with a rawhide cover. Rawhide will stretch some when wet, but it looks like grandpa may have tried to sew it before. The holes appear damaged. I'd guess the wood got wet, expanded and pulled out the thread.
The adhesive will come off with a gentle light application of lighter fluid. Operative word being 'gentle'. No soaking in lighter fluid. Just some on a cloth and wipe off the adhesive.
Fulton Armoury has replacement grips for $29.95. So does .northridgeinc.com. $24.95. Bakelite, from them.
Sarco Inc. lists wood grips as being out of stock. They want you to call to see if back order is possible. Item #: GRP143
gundersonmilitaria.com shows one that has had the finish removed, they say is in "Very Good", at $350. I think they're confused(the scabbard is in that condition. Removing the finish also drops the value), but they do it for a living.
http://www.gundersonmilitaria.com/bayonet.html
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