The listing, Model 1892 Krag-Jorgensen Trench Knife; de-militarized bayonet has ended.
This has been modified so it is no longer capable of being used as a bayonet. The former guard with it's attachment has been ground down to a slimmer size for easy withdrawal and the components to attach to a rifle removed and filled in with lead for better balance and smoothness of draw. The blade has been thinned and is razor keen lightening the balance point as well.
I was told this was done during the first world war for a soldier to use as a spare in case of a trench fight so he could wield this more quickly and easily inside a trench than the one on his rifle or just because he liked it better than the standard issue since it was sharper and more easily penetrable and maneuverable. They also had a lot of time on their hands between battles and sadly sometimes spares were available to pick up and use. Many soldiers had their own field weapons they used in battle.
After customizing, what's left of the blade is nine inches long, one side near the handle has what's left of the date, 1900 and the other side has what is left of the letters US after being ground. I don't have an original blade to compare it to but it looks more thinned out than shortened from what I could see comparing pictures to other ones I saw online.
Even though it is a model 1892 Bayo it was made years later and dated 1900, but it is still the same issue. Originally it would also have fit on an M-1 rifle as well?
Wooden handle slabs still in good condition, they were sealed a long time ago and kept from drying out. Blade at least 3/16"s wide at the base tapering to a thin point. Entire length of the blade has been sharpened up to the point underneath and possibly the tip along the top also.
Continental United States only. Thank you.
Possible Bonus: If bid goes up to 20,000 you get to choose either the olive drab U.S. marked sheath this is being stored in or else the antique sharpening steel. If the bid goes to 25,000 or more you get both!