M9A1 in black color

[Carlo]

see also the others M9A1 in green and tan

[porterkids]

This is the later model with the high blade stop on the face of the scabbard.
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silver surfer reviews

[Carlo]

I just saw this ebay auction for the first variation (shorter --in height --blade stop) of this bayonet.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Phrobis-M9A1-Phr...item27b534b869
I'm wondering: is there any documentation available about the production numbers of this bayonet?
The sellers says: "Only 50 of these made. 20 were destroyed. 30 left for public".
P.S. for anyone wondering about the difference between the shorter and the higher blade stop, take a look at the last picture in this old topic
http://www.quarterbore.net/forums/showthread.php?t=720
P.P.S. As I happen to have the green variation with the shorter blade stop, I would like to know if there are any production numbers of the green model as well.....

[porterkids]

Carlo,

The seller has made an error in this listing. The reference to the 50 pieces made pertains to the Phrobis Int'l blades with the black oxide finish, not the low stop. He had listed one of the black oxide bayonets last week and mistakenly believes that the production number also pertains to this bayonet. I know the seller and he is a great guy. I've contacted him to let him know about the mix up.

I do not know of any production numbers for the low vs. high stops. I do know that the mold used to make the low stop scabbards was modified for the high stop. You can see by looking at a high stop the an end mill was used to deeped the slot in the mold.

[Carlo]

Hi Bill!
Yes, I too bought multiple M9s from this seller and I can confirm he is honest and correct.
Back to the topic.
I did try to write down all the M9A1 marking variations with the different high and low scabbard stops.
Is it correct?
GREEN MODEL
1. Short wire cutter stop: blade marked M9A1/Phrobis III (no Spain)
2. High wire cutter stop: blade marked M9A1/Phrobis III / Spain

BLACK MODEL
1. Short wire cutter stop: blade marked M9A1/Phrobis III (no Spain)
2. High wire cutter stop: blade marked M9A1/Phrobis III / Spain
3. High wire cutter stop: blade marked M9A1/ Phrobis Int’l / Spain (very few in number)

TAN MODEL
1. High wire cutter stop: blade marked M9A1/Phrobis III (no Spain marking)
2. High wire cutter stop: blade marked M9A1/ Phrobis Int’l / Spain

On all variations, the opposite side of the blade is marked: U.S.A. / PAT. NO. / 4,821,356
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I never saw the black variation number 3, but I found saved on my pc (don't remember where I got it from) a note by Brett where he mentioned it (see attached image).
I'm not sure about the Spain marking on the TAN variation n. 1, as I have only two examples with the Phrobis Int'l marking. But it does exist because I remember I saw a picture of it in the Maddox's book.
checked in the book...no Spain marking on the Tan variation above n. 1

[kajura12]

Those M9A1 in black looked really awesome and I sure the person who buys that will be really proud of his prized possession!! I saw many of the earlier for sale in ebay and a couple still up for sale!! This was a great place to check out of the different models of the M9A1 too - great job!!