This is truly a unique and certainly "One of a Kind" M1905 Presentation Bayonet as manufactured by Rock Island Arsenal. We all know that Rock Island Arsenal was the only other Government facility, beside Springfield Armory to actually produce, 1903 rifles and M1905 Bayonets. Again as we all know, the first year that Rock Island Arsenal actually produced bayonets was 1906 and that the normal monthly production did not include serializing them. However in reviewing this bayonet there is no doubt in this describer mind that this bayonet is an actual "Serial Numbered" M1905 Bayonet as produced by Rock Island Arsenal and the fact that it is numbered "1" clearly indicates it was originally intended to be either a display piece for the actual Rock Island museum, or a Presentation Piece for a high ranking Government official. The redeeming fact to prove that this bayonet is 100% authentic, is two things; one is that these bayonets were all hardened when manufactured and this one has been stamped without distorting the blade obviously done where someone has access to impressive manufacturing equipment and two the actual finish that has been applied to it. This finish which consists of a nickel plated blade with the bright, high polish, mirror like blue finish on the handle and cross-guard, is the same exact finish as applied to the presentation M1 Garands, M14 rifles and their associated bayonets during the late 1940 and up through the 1950/60s. Some of which are still on display currently at the Rock Island Arsenal museum. This finish is so distinct that once you see it will not forget it. This hand polishing was all performed by Arsenal employees in the small arms shop and the actual final finish was applied in the plating shop still located on Rock Island (now closed). The bayonet itself is the correctly 15 7/8" long with a single fuller on each side and it is marked "US / 1" on the right ricasso and "R.I.A. / ordnance bomb / 1906" on the left. The hilt has the noted deluxe deep mirror blue finish with a new set of walnut grip panels. Unfortunately there is no scabbard with this blade. Certainly a truly unique and the only one of it's kind "Serial Numbered" 1906 Rock Island Arsenal bayonet.

Excellent overall with some very minor pitting and flaking of the nickel plated finish on the tip. All of the bright high polished blue remains on the handle frame and hilt. The wooden handles are excellent showing no wear or use. The markings are crisp and clear.