Measuring 20 1/2 inches overall, the 15 7/8 inch single fuller blade shows a proper military style spear tip leading to a 5 1/2 inch false edge, with "R.I.A./(flaming Ordnance bomb)/1906." on the left ricasso and "US/1" on the right along with a fine nickel finish. The hilt is finished in a rich high polish blue with a pair of ribbed hardwood grips. A top supplier of military hardware to this day, Rock Island was one of only two government facilities (alongside Springfield) that produced Model 1903 bolt action rifles and their Model 1905 bayonets. The Model 1905 did not start coming out of Rock Island until 1906 making this a first-year example. While Rock Island is not known to have individually serial numbered their bayonets, the "1" does appear to be an original marking. The overall finish of this example suggests a high quality presentation piece and merits direct comparison to presentation M1 and M14 rifles known to have been fitted, hand-polished, and plated in Rock Island's shops; some of these shops have been shut down over the years, meaning that the U.S. Army quite literally cannot make them like they used to. The path the bayonet followed is unknown, it might have served as a presentation piece to a high-ranking military or government person or have been used as a demonstration piece for the Arsenal's capabilities.

Near mint as presentation polished/blue overall. A few patches of pitting are visible on the blade, concentrated near the tip, with some light handling marks overall. 98% of the original blue finish is present on the hilt with a small brown flaked spot on the right side of the muzzle ring. A few light handling marks are present overall. The markings are clear. A fine example of a presentation grade Rock Island Arsenal bayonet.