M1917 bayonet markings question

[davewave3283]

Gents,

I am researching bayonets for the US rifle, cal .30 m1917 and have questions about the markings. On one side there is the flaming bomb mark and an eagles head with a number below it. Some folks have said that number represents the manufacture date of that bayonet. Others say it's the mark of the individual inspector which inspected the bayonet. Can anyone clear that up definitively?

Thanks

David

 

[rcmodel]

Model 1917 bayonets were made by both Remington and Winchester during WWI.

The Remington side with the ordinance bomb would have a side view of an eagles head and U.S..
Those made by Winchester have a eagle head with the beak facing the pointy end of the blade, U.S., and a p1 and x or other inspectors marks.

Neither are dated except on the reverse side, where they say 1917 and the manufactures logo.

rc

 

[davewave3283]

thanks for the reply. the number I'm asking about is the one that appears below the eagle's head mark on the side with the ordnance bomb.

 

[rcmodel]

What number is it?

rc

 

[davewave3283]

In the photo attached the number I'm referring to is the "14". I've also seen 22, 25,28 and 39 on other examples.

 

[rcmodel]

It is almost certainly not a date.

They only made them during WWI, which lasted from 1914 to 1918, so 22, 25,28 and 39 cannot be dates.

I am pretty confident it is just an inspectors mark.

rc