Request for help with markings

[butlersrangers]

I believe, the bayonet shown in the photograph was a "one-of-a-kind" example. (unique = the only example made)

It appears to have been made at Springfield Armory, during 1903 - 1905), to fit an 'early experimental prototype' of the model 1903 Springfield rifle.

Initially, the prototype model 1903 Springfield rifle had a "rod" bayonet, that retracted and was stored in the stock forearm.

U.S. President "Teddy" Roosevelt handled one of the prototype "rod-bayonet" 1903 rifles and promptly broke the rod bayonet!
"T.R." (President Roosevelt) did not like it and was angry about the rod-bayonet.

This created a panic and emergency in the U.S. Ordnance Department.
They had to quickly develop a more formidable bayonet for the new model 1903 rifle.

The bayonet pictured in your post was one idea, for a solution. (It used the Krag bayonet grip and a unique triangular or cruciform blade).

This bayonet was an experiment. It was not adopted.
Maybe, only one was made!

This bayonet was not intended for the Krag-Jorgensen rifle. (It simply used the Krag grip & attachment).

[eric38]

Good evening,
I thank you (both) for your answers, I insisted because there is this for sale:

Capture d’écran 2024-01-23 194613.png (964.22 KiB) Viewed 1670 times

It was sold for a Krag rifle and I wanted to buy it, but now I'm going to look
for an 1899 bayonet instead..
Thank you and have a nice evening.
Eric

[butlersrangers]

If it is not too expensive .... gamble ... and buy it ... if genuine, it appears to be a rarity!
Are there more photos of this experimental 1903 Springfield bayonet, with the triangular-blade?

This almost unknown bayonet is shown and discussed on pages 238-239, of the book by Donald J. Hartman, "The U.S. Krag Bayonets".

To rule out a fake of this very rare experimental bayonet, (that was made in early 1905 for the 1903 Springfield rifle), the blade apparently has a 'flat' side and an angled side with two flutes.

This could be a very rare and obscure bayonet, but also a prime one to fake!

[Culpeper]

Why not buy directly from Mr. Hartman?

http://ddbladeresearch.com/purchase.html

http://ddbladeresearch.com/index.html

They also have a table at the Baltimore Antique Arms Show

http://www.baltimoreshow.com/

[butlersrangers]

The Hartman Krag Bayonet book is beautifully done, well researched, and includes lots of interesting Krag 'tidbits'.

I got my 'autographed' copy directly from Mr. Hartman, via hls eBay listing a few years back, for a very good price.

The volume belongs in every well equipped Krag library. It is 'top tier' information.

(The text may be difficult and overkill for a 'non-English speaker', just looking for a nice basic bayonet for a model 1898 Krag).

[butlersrangers]

eric38 - Do you have more pictures of this bayonet?

[scottz63]

I'm not sure those 2 are the same. Pretty sure the curved blade would not fit in that straight, narrow scabbard. I may be wrong though.

[butlersrangers]

The blade is not curved. The book page was not 'flat' when the photo was taken.
This created the illusion of a curve in the blade.

[scottz63]

The blade is not curved. The book page was not 'flat' when the photo was taken.
This created the illusion of a curve in the blade.

Oops!

[eric38]

Good evening,
I'm following the bayonet sale and I don't know if many people have seen it.

Other photos :

Capture d’écran 2024-01-24 185639.png (636.5 KiB) Viewed 1473 times

Capture d’écran 2024-01-24 185610.png (613.06 KiB) Viewed 1473 times

Capture d’écran 2024-01-24 185524.png (687.44 KiB) Viewed 1473 times

I don't know what the maximum is

I hope you're going to tell me if it's authentic?

Enjoy your evening.
Eric