Navy special bayonet

[birdman]

Hello everyone,
bought a navy special bayonet off ebay as a buy it now. When i got it i found it had a three digit serial number stamped on the pommel and on the ruberized scabbard just below the throat. I wrote and sent pictures to raymond labar and was told he has never seen anything like it before. Has anybody else seen one?

[birdman]

Picture 2

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[Jareth]

Somewhat skeptical. Never seen one like that either.

[RussellM]

I have a three digit number (no other stampings) on the end of a training bayonet, with the hooked quillon, pommel and scabbard all painted black. The scabbard may have been re-painted but the quillon and pommel look to be original.

Regards

Russ

[Jareth]

Yes trainers are often found with two & three didgit numbers on pommel end. It's the matching numbered scabbard that I'm skeptical about. I've handled numerous examples of this integral/one piece scabbard frog. The only way that it would be able to stamp is if the rubberized surface had oxidized & become hard post war. The minty ones I own are as flexible as a rubber pencil eraser. You wouldn't be able to use a metal stamp & leave an impression. Rubber ink stamp yes but not metal stamp.

[EMSMIT2]

Take a look under the wood handle and see if there are any other markings. I have never seen one of these with matching numbers on the pommel of the bayonet and on the scabbard. Bazaar to say the least. Which arsenal made the bayonet? I don't think you have a trainer as the quality of the bayonet looks too good. Usually, the trainers were a bit cruder and thinner metal. Could you post some more photos?

Eddie

[Edokko]

Jareth, you have a point there about a new naval rubberized scabbard not being able to hold a die stamp mark. But maybe it can be done if the die was heated. The mark on the pommel has a patina "look" that seems pretty old.
Obviously, if the mark was done at the arsenal there should be more out there in collector's hands, especially with so high a three digit number, so most likely post arsenal markings, perhaps done specifically within some squad or sme other small unit to ID with the sailor's specific personal number or with a rifle. Will never know I guess....

[zachb]

If it was done recently wouldn't the area around the numbers be marred or some evidence of small tearing (broken "fibers") and uneven color? How stiff is the scabbard?

My Naval Special is unmarked like most I have known of, and it came with a wooden scabbard.

Interesting piece nonetheless.

[FightenIrish35]

Could you post pictures of the full bayonet and the blade as well?

[birdman]

I'm posting a couple more pictures and answering some questions. There are no other marks on the bayonet or scabbard. The rubberized scabbard is is preety hard especially the belt loops area. The blade is factory sharp. It's in over all very nice shape and doesn't appear to have been used.

Larry

[birdman]

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