First Contract LanCay M9 with Forged Blade

[Quarterbore]

I just found this M9 on EBAY and grabbed it...

Here is a link to the auction (http://www.qksrv.net/click-1113488-5463217?loc=http%3A//cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll%3FViewItem%26item%3D2281627145)

Here is the description:

Quote:Quote:
USGI M9 Bayonet, Lancay, Scarce 1st contract. As shown in Gary Cunningham's "American Military Bayonets of the 20th Century" Pg.104. Mint condition; still in the grease. No nicks or dents or corrosion on the blade. (specks in pics are dirt specks in the grease) Fine unsharpened factory edge. Sharp, pointed tip. Cherry sharpening stone. Cherry scabbard with no undone stiching, frays, tears, wear, holes or pulled out snaps. Collector quality. All the other 2nd contract Lancay's and new production M9's are all over the place; this is the one to buy for investment.

http://quarterbore.com/images/lancay__1st_01a.jpg

http://quarterbore.com/images/lancay__1st_01b.jpg

http://quarterbore.com/images/lancay__1st_01c.jpg

http://quarterbore.com/images/lancay__1st_01d.jpg

[Quarterbore]

http://quarterbore.com/images/lancay__1st_01e.jpg

http://quarterbore.com/images/lancay__1st_01f.jpg


I purchased this bayonet as I believe this to be one of the early Forged blade LanCay M9s

[Reibert]

Hi, mates !

Is this also an 1st contract M9, manufactured by LANCAY ?

Thx. in advance,
R.

[pwcosol]

Both bayonets appear to be very nice examples of late First Contract Lancay production. The earliest examples had Gen Cut blades with "LANCAY" blade marking in full capital letters and all the early features. My example of that bayonet has a "7/92" marked Fastex clip, four-lug scabbard, and original-pattern cutter-plate.

The next example has the LanCay made blade with all early features. Blade marking is same as the two bayonets pictured. Fastex clip is dated "7/92" and scabbard is same as found on the Gen Cut M9. Blade finish is a dull, sandblast gray color. Tag on this bayonet from former owner says "Lancay Cast Fuller".

Third M9 in the progression is the "thin fuller" pattern. Marking same as above. Fastex clip dated "2/93" and scabbard features remain the same as well.

Number four is what I would call the last "early" First Contract pattern. Markings remain the same. Bayonet features same as #2. Fastex clip on this one is dated "8/94". Scabbard is same but now sports the Lancay modified pattern with blade stop. Finish remains a dull gray.

Finally comes the what one might call the "late" or second variation of the First Pattern Lancay M9, when they were given license to delete the blade fuller. Other simplifications followed down the road like removal of the step on the blade spine, saw-teeth number and location, and concave grind of blade edge to "angle-ground". The P.I. scabbard was introduced as well.

Six years back or longer, late Lancay T-1 variants were not very popular with collectors...possibly because they were seeking either the scarcer or earlier examples. Many collectors may have already acquired these. However, since the dissolution of Lancay, interest has increased. In addition, attrition and hard service usage of the earlier M9s in government inventory during the War on Terror has made the acquisition of pristine bayonets much more difficult. This is often reflected in the values of examples today.

[Reibert]

Thx. a lot ! :)