This is an M4 bayonet which was also used as a fighting knife. Issued during WWII. It was designed to fit the M-1
Carbine rifle. The pommel is of metal construction and has the bayonet release mechanism. the handle is made of
leather and has a series of circular indentations carved into it. This feature allows for better gripping.
The crossguard of the M-4 bayonet is divided intwo sections. One side has a metal ring for the purpose of allowing the
muzzle of the rifle to pass through. The other side is simply a straight section.
The scabbard is made of fiberglass and painted green. The throat has a metal piece with the markings USM8. This
section has two metal lips facing downward. The tip has a hole where the leg strap would be located. A canvis flap
is found above the fiberglass section. This flap acts as a belt loop and also secured the wire hook that connects the
bayonet to the utility belt. A strap with a snap goes around the handle and holds it in place.
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This page is a recognition and identification guide for military fighting knives.
Multiple detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out
clearly defined points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my fighting knife worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the knives is
reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of the edge weapons in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated to the preservation of military history and to providing quality
military antiques and collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
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The top of the crossguard has the flaming bomb logo. On the opposite side the words "USM$, Camillus" are
stamped. Camillus is the name of the company that produced the bayonet.
The blade is of double edge construction. It does not have any markings on it. The picture below shows the top of
the pommel. A marking in the form of a letter S with a line through it is seen.
This edge weapon is currently being reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other fighting knives, you can do so by going to our
Military Fighting Knives Price Guide
identification guide. Where we cover Army, Navy, Army Air Force, USMC and other organizations.
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