Bayonet Collectors - Value of WW II US M1 Bayonet?

[VaTom]

I do not collect knives / bayonets but have a WWII KaBar US Navy Mark II I bought several years ago at an auction. I like WWII collectables and also have a 1943 Ithaca 1911A1.

I came across a M1 Garand Bayonet 1909 Model, SA and flaming bomb marked (Springfield Armory) at an estate auction. It is the military cutdown bayonet with the bowie / chisel tip. There is no scabbard. It appears rust free in pictures and not damaged by over sharpening. Have done some online research and apparently the bowie tip cutdown bayonets were used earlier in the war. Later bayonets had the spear tip.

Trying to decide whether to bid on it. What would be value ranges. Can't post pictures or links as it is an active auction.

Any advice about value ranges and other WWII bayonet information appreciated.

 

[Faulkner]

You may want to double check and see if it's not a cut down M1905 bayonet rather than a M1909.

M1905's were originally issued with M1903 Springfield rifles in their original 16 inch form and used in WWI. The M1 rifle (Garand) was designed to accept the M1905 bayonet, but in early WWII the US Cavalry Board requested a bayonet better suited than the M1905 for use by troops riding in vehicles be developed. It was determined that a 10 inch version would be less unwieldy so the M1 bayonet was developed.

It was also determined that existing 16 inch M1905's could be cut down as well and were designated M1905E1. The Ordnance Department contracted with several commercial firms to modify the M1905 bayonets on hand to M1 specifications. Most modified bayonets were made with the same type of spear point as found on the M1 bayonet, but some were modified with the so-called "Bowie point."

There are a lot of variables regarding it's value, especially with no scabbard. The Bowie points were not really any more or less desirable. I've not been in the bayonet collectors market nearly as much as I used to, but without pictures I'd throw out a $150 to $200 price range.

A M1 bayonet on the left, a M1905E1 with Bowie point on the right.

 

[VaTom]

Thanks Faulkner! It looks like the one on the right.so it must be a cut down 1905. The pictures posted at the auction were a little fuzzy and couldn't read the fourth digit of date. Could see the SA and Flaming Bomb ordinance stamps clearly.