WWI scabbards used for M1917 Bayonets

[1903Collector]

Did the US ever use standard Enfield P07 scabbards with a cotton frog or was it always the early M1917 scabbard (with hooks)?

[browningautorifle]

The US had the M1916 pistol belt requiring the M1910 hooks to attach equipment. I'm not aware of ANY use of a canvas frog to carry the scabbards.

[jamie5070]

I've always thought that they were put in those scabbards by the British during WWII. I've got a couple of them/

[Coogan]

For US service the early style with hooks or later style with hooks would be used. Using the British frog makes no sense as the US cartridge belt is too wide for its use.

I seem to recall a bunch of M1917 and P1913 surcharge bayonets for sale in the early 2000s in P07 scabbards, likely imported from Commonwealth countries. I have seen more than a few M1917 scabbards with added frogs (leather or canvas) where the hooks were retained or removed.


So, now the counter question - what makes you ask?

[Mk VII]

It's fairly common here to see them with British (usually leather) frogs; they are ex-Home Guard ones as they needed one to attach it to the leather belt.

[1903Collector]

For US service the early style with hooks or later style with hooks would be used. Using the British frog makes no sense as the US cartridge belt is too wide for its use.

I seem to recall a bunch of M1917 and P1913 surcharge bayonets for sale in the early 2000s in P07 scabbards, likely imported from Commonwealth countries. I have seen more than a few M1917 scabbards with added frogs (leather or canvas) where the hooks were retained or removed.


So, now the counter question - what makes you ask?

I bought a 1917 Eddystone that came with a Kerr sling and M1917 bayo in a P07 scabbard and canvas frog. The rifle was in GREAT shape! The bayo authentic and the price was VERY good!
However, the KERR sling was the shorter type for the 1903 Springfield and my Remington M1917 has an M1917 bayo with the early U.S. leather and hook type scabbard. I wanted to verify that the scabbard and frog that came with the rifle was not an alternative USGI issue before I spent the money for the "correct" WWI U.S. scabbard.

[Coogan]

I bought a 1917 Eddystone that came with a Kerr sling and M1917 bayo in a P07 scabbard and canvas frog. The rifle was in GREAT shape! The bayo authentic and the price was VERY good!
However, the KERR sling was the shorter type for the 1903 Springfield and my Remington M1917 has an M1917 bayo with the early U.S. leather and hook type scabbard. I wanted to verify that the scabbard and frog that came with the rifle was not an alternative USGI issue before I spent the money for the "correct" WWI U.S. scabbard.

Totally understand. Hold on to that scabbard - you never know when you might get a Lend-Lease M1917 that needs it!

To throw a wrench in the works, the first pattern M1917 scabbard was short lived - I believe the design was dropped in October 1917 so........the best bayonet for that scabbard would be a P1913 US surcharge or a hybrid P1913/M1917 or a M1917 without the clearing hole.

[1903Collector]

Totally understand. Hold on to that scabbard - you never know when you might get a Lend-Lease M1917 that needs it!

To throw a wrench in the works, the first pattern M1917 scabbard was short lived - I believe the design was dropped in October 1917 so........the best bayonet for that scabbard would be a P1913 US surcharge or a hybrid P1913/M1917 or a M1917 without the clearing hole.

Thanks. Gosh, Id LOVE to get my hands on a lend-lease rifle. Missed out on one years ago at a decent price and Ive not seen a good buy since!