The P1913 bayonet was officially introduced into British service on the 21st June 1916 and was made under contract in the USA by Remington and Winchester. By the end of WW1, Remington had produced 1,243,000 of the P1913 bayonets.
When the Americans began production of their P1917 bayonet, stocks of the British P1913 (which is essentially the same bayonet) were diverted for use in the American war effort. The bayonets were issued to US troops with the newly designed 1917 pattern green leather scabbard.
The 433mm blade has a deep single fuller on both sides and a rounded spine. The blade retains its original dark matt finish and its factory edge with no additional attempts at sharpening. The blade is in very good condition.
The ricasso is stamped with the pattern date of 1913, the production date of ‘9’17 (September, 1917) and the Remington maker’s mark. The obverse ricasso bears a cancelled British inspection stamp over a “US” government ownership stamp.
To speed production and ensure quality, Britain sent UK government inspectors to work in the Remington and Winchester factories to inspect and approve the bayonets as they were produced. Bayonets that were then retained for US use, had the UK inspectors’ mark cancelled and were stamped with a US government ownership mark.
The cross guard and pommel retain their original blueing. The wooden grip scales are in excellent condition with a great patina. The press-stud locking mechanism works perfectly.
The bayonet is complete with its 1917 Mk II green leather scabbard with integral belt hanger. The scabbard is in excellent condition and retains its original green finish. The locket and chape retain their original finish with minor wear. The leather is firm and undamaged and the stitching is intact and strong.
This is an excellent example of an American issued P1913 WW 1 bayonet.
