Vietnam War Era U.S. M5A1 M1 Garand Service Rifle Bayonet And Scabbard

Measuring 11 1/4 inches in total length with a 6 3/4 blade and steel cross guard that is stamped "M5A1" to the one side, and "Milpar Col" to the opposite side. Serial number stamped to the top of the steel pommel. Housed in the issue M8 scabbard with attached leather frog. Leather retainer has broken to the one side but the white metal closure strap remains. 2 piece checkered hard plastic grip panels and functioning release button. Looseness to the cross guard and expected wear to the blade. SKU: 62030

During the Korean War, the M1 bayonet was found difficult to remove while wearing heavy gloves. As a result, the M5 bayonet was designed and issued in 1953. This was a total redesign based on the M4 bayonet. The M5 bayonet looks nothing like the original M1 bayonet, and is the only U.S. bayonet without a barrel mount ring on the cross guard, making it look more like a fighting knife than a bayonet.