POTD: The 1917 Bayonet – From British P13 to American Service
Sam.S 01.15.25
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! The 1917 bayonet emerged from America’s sudden entry into World War I, when the U.S. discovered it lacked sufficient arms for its troops. Based on the British P13 bayonet designed for the P14 Enfield rifle, early M1917s were actually converted British bayonets with crossed-out markings and new “US 1917” stamps. This 21.5-inch bayonet featured a 17-inch blade with a fuller (often misidentified as a “blood groove”) and wooden grips with two distinctive grooves. Originally designed for the 1917 Enfield rifle, it later found use on American trench shotguns. The bayonet went through several variants, from initial British conversions to purpose-built American models by Winchester and Remington. The scabbard also evolved, starting with a leather body and metal ends with a webbed belt loop, later modified to use the American M1910 hook attachment system. The M1917 bayonet remained in U.S. service through the 1960s, proving its durability and versatility well beyond its WWI origins.
