1917 Winchester Bayonet - Information Needed

[Ken McAulay]

[4thGordons]

I am not sure what information you need?

Its a US M1917 Bayonet produced by Winchester that was later supplied to Canada.

Chris

[Ken McAulay]

Hi Chris

This bayonet was given to me in the late 1940s or early 1950s by my father. I am trying to discover if the bayonet was used in WWI or WWII or both. Also the meaning of the number "273" that is stamped on the handle guard. Last but not least rarity or value of the item.

Thanks for responding.

 

Ken

[4thGordons]

Hi Ken

OK so the bayonet was produced for the US in 1917/18 - it is virtually identical (save markings) to the British Pattern 1913 bayonet which it had been produced as previously under contract to the UK.

It may have been issued and used in WWI (The US used a lot of them) , no real way to tell.

It almost certainly gained the Canadian ownership mark (the C with a Broad arrow) during the early years of WWII when the US supplied Canada with about 80,000 M1917 rifles and their bayonets. It was probably used for training and Garrison duty in Canada during WWII. The number is probably a "rack" or sequential / inventory number applied by the unit/establishment where it was issued in Canada.

It is not rare (large numbers were produced) however Winchester produced bayonets command a pretty good premium over Remington, and the Canadian stamp adds interest - the best way to discern current pricing is to look on online auction sites and see what they SELL for (not what people are asking for them)

Prices have been going up a bit recently so you might be pleasantly surprised at what this would realize.

Chris

[Ken McAulay]

Thanks Chris, this is a great help.

Ken