Swiss 1918/55 Bayonet

[Aragorn243]

I have not tried an M1. Next time I have it out maybe I will. It almost looks like it was chromed but isn't quite shiny/polished enough, possible dress bayonet but the scabbard obviously is not. Covered with grease when I got it. More important to me is finding my 1918 and direct comparing the two. They say the blade is slightly heavier on these also but until I find the other, I have no way of knowing. The small triangle is supposed to be unique to this variation.

[browningautorifle]

Mine was the same sort of polish with some wear marks, I don't think they're chromed. Just really nice stuff...

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Left to right 1899 1889-18 1918 1918/55 I think I got the designations right.

My 1918/55 has no serial number. Oddly most of these came from Midway USA a few years back.

[Aragorn243]

Are you sure that's a 1918/55? Could be the angle it was photographed but it looks the same as the 1918.

[marysdad]

Swiss soldiers were allowed to have their bayonets plated (at their own expense) in order to make them easier to maintain, so plated examples do turn up occasionally.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Are you sure that's a 1918/55? Could be the angle it was photographed but it looks the same as the 1918.

I thought it was. I have looked at all the photos here and on the internet and the differences are quite subtle (at least to my eye).
I will attempt some better photos and post for review.

Thanks

---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:33 AM ----------

Swiss soldiers were allowed to have their bayonets plated (at their own expense) in order to make them easier to maintain, so plated examples do turn up occasionally.

My 1899 appears to be chromed or at least highly polished.

[Aragorn243]

The belly on the 1918/55 is just under 1 1/8 inches thick. Side by side the difference should be obvious. The angle it is laying in the photo could be hiding the belly. I don't have my 1918 out to compare but it's probably a 3/16th inch smaller by comparing the photos.

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

The belly on the 1918/55 is just under 1 1/8 inches thick. Side by side the difference should be obvious. The angle it is laying in the photo could be hiding the belly. I don't have my 1918 out to compare but it's probably a 3/16th inch smaller by comparing the photos.

Better angle?

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

Now I feel silly. I thought the update was in the metal end of the pommel. I looked again at your photos after you described the "belly".

[Aragorn243]

Yeah, pretty sure they are both 1918's.

The 1908/55's are all said to have the triangle under the Swiss cross in the cross guard. Most but not all are serial numbered. Most but not all others are serial numbered also but yours not having one means it was a replacement that was never issued. The serials match the rifle they were assigned too.