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Item No.:	9682	Price :	SOLD
Item :	VERY RARE U.S. MODEL 1905/42 16" BAYONET BY WILDE TOOL IN DETROIT GASKET SCABBARD

Description :

Here is an original, WWII, U.S. Model 1905/42 Bayonet manufactured by Wilde Drop Forge and Tool in 1942. By the 1920's the supply of Model 1905 bayonets was deemed sufficient and production was halted. After America's entry into WWII, it quickly became apparent that more were needed and a number of American firms were contracted to resume production. These 16 inch WWII Model 1905 bayonets differed from earlier production. They were Parkerized and had plastic molded grip scales. They were issued in a new fiberglass scabbard fitted with the Model 1910 belt hooks. These were produced for just two years, 1942 and 1943. The 10 inch M-1 bayonet was adopted in 1943 and many of these longer ones were shortened. Collectors have called these WWII produced bayonets the Model 1942, but it actually remains a M1905. The 05/42 bayonets were produced by 6 contractors in 1942 and 1943. The smallest of these contracted companies, Wilde Tool stopped production of these in February of 1943, having produced only about 60,000 bayonets. This represents only 4% of the total production numbers of these bayonets. As the majority of these were later shortened to 10", a Wilde Tool with its full 16" blade is exceedingly scarce. In addition, the grips of a Wilde Tool bayonet differ from other makers. They are molded from a reddish brown plastic, but have a rectangle of black plastic molded around the screw escutcheons. This bayonet is in excellent condition, retaining nearly 100% of its dark gray phosphate "Parkerized" finish. There is a little bit of wear on the sides of the guard from storage. It is marked "W T" over the Ordnance Bomb which is flanked on either side by "U S" over "1942". The bayonet comes in a very fine original M3 Scabbard made by the Detroit Gasket Company. These are known as "Lazy S" scabbards from the company logo which resembles the letter "S" on its side. Detroit Gasket only made about 11% of the total M3 Production. The company used a different resin than other manufacturers that proved to be less durable in the field. Consequently, these scabbards are scarcer than those of other manufacturers. This scabbard is in very fine condition with 98% of the OD paint remaining. This may be repainted. There is one heavy scratch on the front of the body. The Parkerized throat and belt hooks are developing a smooth brown patina. This is a superb example of the Wilde Tool M1905/42 Bayonet.

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