Phrobis XM9

[pwcosol]

Well, perhaps "overrun" is a bit too vague. Although the total number of Phrobis XM9s produced may be unknown, there were more than the actual number of 55 required by the U.S. Army for competition. Of that lot, 55 bayonets were randomly boxed up & shipped, leaving a small number behind. The only difference between these would be the "A" prefixed serial number, ranging from "001" to "055", found either scribed or painted on both bayonet & scabbard by the Army. This indicates the bayonet was one actually submitted for trials competition.

One other note worth considering would be the Phrobis "pancake" scabbard with external wire cutter. These, like the bayonet, bear the manufacturer's assigned submission number of "29" & "XM9" as well. Some were submitted to the Army for consideration, and one would expect the bayonets were XM9s as well. However, some time after the trials, the remaining XM9s were either given away or sold commercially by Mr Finn. The "pancake" scabbard I have came with an early Phrobis "3-line" which never had the bayonet's edge sharpened. The bayonet also has a XM9 pommel cap, so seems nothing went to waste...