Unusual Lan-Cay 2nd Contract Variant

[pwcosol]

I acquired this Lan-Cay M9 about 18 months ago. It is a variation which is outside standard production. It appears to be a first pattern blade with fuller and step on the spine. However, the blade is not concave but flat ground. Finish is the bluish-black oxide. One would expect to see the ricasso stamped "LanCay" but it is the later "Lan-Cay" marking.

The closest example I can find that is similar are the 200 first-pattern bayonets which were initially rejected due to the blades being slightly shorter than the specifications required. These were later given a waiver, were finished in black oxide, & completed as part of the second contract. However, one would think they would all bear the earlier "LanCay" stamping. I suspect there may have been some blades which were rejected prior to being marked, had the later marking applied at the time they were assembled, and were included in the lot of 200.

Possibly in order to meet production quotas, some blades may have been slipped in which were marginal, and delivered to the Army as well. This might explain the left front tip of the blade. The erosion pictured is not pitting, but the original metal finish after the blade was forged. When the blade was finish-machined, this small area was missed, and the defect either failed to be discovered during inspection or intentionally ignored. The PI scabbard has the exposed stone, and Fastex clip is dated 1/95, which was the right time frame when those 200 bayonets received the waiver. Both bayonet & scabbard show light field usage.

The example pictured was found via an EBAY auction. The seller had acquired it in 2009 from a U.S. Army Stryker battalion soldier returning from duty in IRAQ. His unit was based in the Wasilla, Alaska area. The bayonet had been issued to him prior to his tour of duty.