Diamond-D marked bayonet lugs?

[rokwell]

Hello: I recently purchased a Winchester carbine. S/N 6,5xx,xxx. I has a bayonet lug on it, marked Diamond D (Donaldson?). Ruth, Reisch books show the correct marking to be 'C'. Could a diamond d marked lug possibly be original to the carbine, or do you think it has to be a field replacement or done during a rebuild? Opinions? There are a couple internet postings that mention Winchester was behind in production because of making the M2s? Could it be that they used a diamond d marked bayonet lug or is that not very likely at all? Thanks!

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[deldriver]

It wasn't so much that Winchester was behind because of the M-2 as it was the simple fact that they had a real shortage of type III barrel bands. In fact it's thought they may have used type III bands from Springfield Armory, AMCO, Inland and the Diamond D band also if memory serves me right. There's a mention of those bands being used in a CCNL from not that long ago. I actually have a 6.57 Winchester M-1 carbine that has a type III band on it from Springfield Armory that I strongly believe is original to the carbine.

One other thought would be for you to post some pictures of the front sight area of your carbine. That way it can be determined if your sight has been off and the band changed for whatever reason.

[painter777]

Donaldson Manufacturing made.
Thought to be a post WWII band, but I never say never when it comes to carbines.

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777

[rokwell]

When I get the carbine I'll take a few pictures of it and post them. Thanks !

[deldriver]

Donaldson Manufacturing made.
Thought to be a post WWII band, but I never say never when it comes to carbines.

Cheers,
Charlie-Painter777

Charlie, as you do from time to time you made me think and thus research a little. I found a thread on this site where it mentioned Donaldson's contract was from 6-44 to 4-45. I am not saying the mentioned barrel band is correct, only that it's possible... I think!

[jimb16]

You are correct. Donaldson provided those bands during WWII. Bill Ricca provided the documentation.

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

CCNL November 2009 #356 has a great article by Fred Powers on all type three bands.

On page 5......Replacement part by Donaldson Company Inc. St Paul, MN. Contract from June 1944 to April 1945.

D being 1/16" high in an elongated diamond. Some markings also on the lug.

[painter777]

You know when we gang up, we aren't half bad!

We do know they were scrambling to get bayo bands out in to the field.


Cheers,
Charlie-P777

[firstflabn]

We do know they were scrambling to get bayo bands out in to the field.

In MWO-5, the OD classified the work as a blue priority - that's second tier of importance. Completion date of Jan 1 '46 - that's a month after the scheduled launch of Operation Coronet.

The part was listed as available at the July 10 approval date of MWO-5, so it doesn't appear to be a huge priority. Still looking for a document from the field setting priorities within a command (for this or any MWO).

It could be argued that RCT 8 (2MARDIV) getting their Type 3 bands in July '45 was likely the result of priority setting as the division was perhaps the most combat ready unit in the Pacific - minimal involvement on Okinawa; miniscule casualties.

[rokwell]

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