My 1st P1907, JAC, refinished?

[Guest artyldr01]

Good morning all.

Over here in the central US I stumbled on a P1907 bayonet and could use some help. The first readily noticeable issue is it is silver. I know this isn't original and would like to strip it somehow if that is feasible. You can see where one of the grip screws shows the original blued finish that I want to return it to. The markings are as follows

Left Side: Crown (I see no GR or other initials under the crown)

1907 under crown where GR would be

3 '16

J.A.C.

I understand this to be a James A. Chapman Pattern 1907 bayonet made in March 1916.

Right Side: broad arrow over...

Slightly to the right and lower a '27 (rebuild date?)

Crown over 3J over E (over faint previous acceptance mark) beside crown over 4H over E beside crown over (unreadable) E over...

X

I cannot determine if this bayonet had the hook removed or was built without one.

It did not come with a scabbard. I really did not like the silver finish and am always concerned about fakes but I doubt a bayonet found in a central Illinois antique shop would be faked. The silver makes me think this was perhaps used as a drill bayonet for a US M1917 rifle which are common for our veteran organizations. I only paid $30 USD so I figured it was worth the risk.

Can anyone advise how to remove the silver, or better yet should I? Is it perhaps correct?

I have been able to add three photos and will reply with a couple more.

Thank you very much!

Here are a couple more photos to hopefully help. I apologize for the poor quality.

[Khaki]

The shine on the pommel, looks to me to be a chrome or nickel plating rather than silver, some of that plating can be very difficult to remove due to its hardness, if you choose to do so I would suggest finding a specialist in plating removal. The problem will be finding someone that can do it at a reasonable price that doesn't exceed the purchase price of the bayonet. Plating for parade purposes was not uncommon and is correct as a parade blade, providing the plating is intact and not rusting underneath (it looks ok to me ) I would keep it as it is and look for another example. The date on your blade suggests it was made without a hook.

regards

khaki

[msdt]

Hi,

Yes, I agree with khaki. It looks like a plated parade version - that is plated later presumably after the 27 re-issue date. It looks in OK condition and is a nice less common maker. If it is plated and not just silver paint that has been done by a civilian, then I would definitely leave it be - it's part of its history.

Cheers,

Tony

[Guest artyldr01]

Thanks gentlemen. It doesn't look as "uber" shiny as the parade bayonets I see in the US but it looks more through and professional than a home paint job so I guess I'll leave it alone. At the price it is still a neat "rescue" but I was hoping for a better match to my No1 MkI***! Thanks!