Description
This US Model 1917 sword bayonet was manufactured by Winchester Repeating Arms Co for use on the .30–06 caliber U.S. Rifle Model of 1917 and 12-gauge combat/service shotguns (trench guns). One side of the blade ricasso is marked “1917 over a W in a circle” and the other has the Flaming Bomb over U.S. There is also a faint Winchester inspection mark. The pommel, crosspiece, and ricasso are blued, remainder of the blade is finished bright.
Two leather scabbard variations were made 1917–1918. With the first pattern the belt hanger proved too weak and a second pattern scabbard was designed, incorporating the wire belt hanger into the topmount. This scabbard is the second pattern. In U.S. service, the leather scabbard body was painted green and the steel locket and chape painted black. This piece retains the majority of the painted finish overall. Scabbard body is marked “JEWEL 1918” for the manufacturer, Jewell Belting Co. of Hartford, CT, in 1918.
Bayonet and scabbard are in excellent condition without damage. (Reference WW 924, JN 223/2, HARDIN #135 and K #322)