Good bayonets with correct scabbards for the M1917 are hard...

[Lancebear]

to get for a decent price. Prices and condition are all over the place for originals...but mostly expensive. And then there are the expensive repros...made in China perhaps?

Bought a nice Remington M1917 rifle awhile ago and posted photos. Recently lucked into a fine original Kerr sling. Only thing missin' was a good bayonet and scabbard. Been lookin' awhile for that.

Found a bayonet and scabbard today and bought it. Looks like an unsharpened blade with original finish. Fine tip, correct everything, lottsa' blue 'cept a "Little" rust. Can handle that. Think this pair will clean up pretty good.

Don't know how to post a link, but ya'll can see pretty good photos of it if you "Google" M1917 bayonet and click about five down on "Ruby Lane".

I will post before and after photos when I receive it next week.

What do you guys think? Will be happy with this pair. Like the date, Brit proofs and slashes.

Regards,

Lancebear

Information

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[Mk VII]

I'd have held out for a better example, but if it works for you, fine. Most of the US ones we see here have been in pretty good shape, perhaps they had little use in the Home Guard.

[JB White]

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/robert...ues/item/rk124

It should clean up with a good oil soaking and a rub down. A bit of BLO on the grips etc. Just be careful not to remove the paint from the leather with any penetrating oils etc.

[Lancebear]

Hey J.B.,

Thanks for posting the link.

Will not fool with the leather at all. Appears to be pretty fine with most of the nice green paint and all of the stitching looks intact and solid. The metal is another story.

What attracted me to this pairing was the probably complete originality of both pieces. Especially the unsharpened blade, fine tip, and the nice green leather. And a lot of blue though with some surface rust. Also the price.

I'll be careful with the cleaning process. First will put a drop of Kroil on the grip screws, let'em soak awhile and then take the wood off. Then soak the the bayonet overnight in Remoil. Then will get to work with swabs on the rust. Figure I will swab the grips with lemon oil for a start and let them set for a few days.

Though the pair may not be a diamond in the rough judging from photos, may very well be after careful cleaning. Hard to get a pair in good condition and all original for less than a hundred fifty. And a fine set would be kinda' boring. I like a good project if it's worth the bucks and original. I'll post photos when I get them and photos of the cleaning process. Bet they clean up well.

Thanks for your reply, might wax the leather if it is too dry, that's all. Will test a small spot to make sure the wax doesn't take off any color.

Death to bad guys,

Lancebear

[Lancebear]

Hey Mk.,

Thanks for your comments.

Think the price was right, yea needs some cleanup, but I like a project. It will look fine after restoration. It is a U.S. one.

Lancebear

[TKLawrence]

I have an original 1917 Bayonet and scabbard that I acquired after my grandmother died 20-some years ago. The bayonet is in good condition with all markings. The blade shows some wear and tear, mostly from my uncles using it on trees and brush when they were growing up.

Now the scabbard is another story. I have seen no reference to this type of scabbard for a 1917 previous. I've heard of metal (steel) and leather, but what I received when I picked this one up was a leather-covered wooden scabbard. Is this appropriate for a 1917 scabbard? Or is this a scabbard from something else?

The only problem with the leather is that it shrunk and the stitching gave out. I'd prefer to leave it as found rather than repair it unless repairing it won't affect the value significantly.

The bayonet locks in quite well which makes me think this is the original. I believe it belonged to my great-uncle who served in WWI.

Thoughts and Comments???

[Lancebear]

Hey TK,

Post a photo and somebody will know. Maybe an '03 scabbard?

Lancebear