M4 Bayonet

[padre]

I am looking to buy this bayonet. Is it possble that this is a reject?

Information

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[BrianQ]

Not a reject but a circa early 1990s reproduction.

[browningautorifle]

The easy tell that it's not correct for whatever reason is the lack of the sunburst rivetting marks on the pommel. The tang may have been disassembled on those or as Brian stated this is a late repro. I did buy a repro for a parts carbine and displayed it with a clear conscience. Looks good.

[SKIPH]

I'm with Brian Q! The M's on the original 1953 contract Camillus M4's, the center does not come down to the bottom of the letter. The originals have stake marks in the tang, and all the metal is a darker blue-black color. Plus the leather on the handles is a better quality, and not that red-brown almost fake looking stuff. But, the repro's are M4 bayonets, and I also have one I bought in the 90's for around $30 new. SKIP

[Harlan (Deceased)]

Correct -

all of the above plus the lack of the flaming bomb on most is a dead giveaway of the modern Callimus M4's. Sadly I see them sell for real M4 prices all the time on ebay etc. The 'X' is the easiest to see right off.

Here's a real one. My dad brought it back from the Korean war and it spent the next 40 years in his tool box out in the garage.
The blade is worse from wear but I wouldn't take anything for it.

[BrianQ]

What about this one? It also has an X. It it a modern reproduction?

[Harlan (Deceased)]

I should have said the shape of the 'X'. The new ones are a little narrower (at least what I've seen) Thanks for the correction Brian.

All the new productions I've seen stick out like a sore thumb anyway from all the above.

[Harlan (Deceased)]

It took me a few minutes to find where I read all about these years ago. Here's a link that tells a lot more about them with good illustrations of the differences.

I hope this helps,
~ Harlan

Bayo Points 8

[SKIPH]

The "x" on the 1953 and repro versions are different, but off the top of my head not sure, believe it's width. I own 2xWW2, 1953, and a repro of the Camillus M4's, it helps when you can compare "in hand". SKIP

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

Another quick first impression to help is the shape of the guard. Even narrow across verses bulging in the middle.

Bulging was later.

Resharpened blades are usually rounded near the guard instead of a vertical grind.