Another Carbine bayonet question

[imarangemaster]

I found a Camillus M4 bayonet for $40. The only problem is, it has plastic handles like a Conetta or Bren-Dan. I read through the "Bayonet Points" chapters on M4 bayonets, but did not find reference to them (Camillus) ever having plastic handles. I do know in 1993, they produced a M4 for commercial sale, and I am guessing that is what it is.

Appreciate any info.

Information

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[shadycon]

Maybe the leather was bad/gone and someone put on replacement handles.

[USGI]

What kind of markings on the guard - and is it a narrow profile or wide? - Bob

[imarangemaster]

Wide hilt. “US M4 CAMILLUS”

[browningautorifle]

They did replace the leather with Bakelite for Korea and later. They also made repros like you suspect. I had a nice repro that I was happy to display with my carbine because it looked so good...

[JimF4M1s (Deceased)]

US Military Knives Bayonets & Machetes Book #3 by M. H. Cole will answer you questions about originality. Great book but now i9s getting pricey $150 and up. The later "The Best of Military Knives bayonets & Machetes By M. H. Cole editited by Mike Silvey runs $300+. It is a compilation of all the Cole books. Maybe no bargains but great information drawings and pictures. Cole has been considered the top guy on US Military knives before he passed. I have #3 and #4 plus the Silvey compilation. Hours and hours of great reading. They were my education into the knife world.

[jimb16]

You could also invest in Cunninghams book of US Bayonets. Excellent book with tons of illustrations, and a lot less expensive than Coles.

[kar66]

I think the repo bayonets had leather handles too. Not 100% sure I never bought one but I did buy a repo M3 it was for sure leather handled. A lot of rebuilt bayonets were re-imported in the 90s that had the leather handles replaced with plastic grips.

[jimb16]

If you know what to look for, the repops are easy to spot.