Q: I have noticed that many bayonets for the M1903 Springfield rifle have serial numbers. Were the rifles and bayonets supposed to be issued with the same serial number?
A: While Model 1905 bayonets made prior to World War II were serially numbered, there was never any intention to issue rifles and bayonets with matching serial numbers, as it would have served no valid purpose. The bayonets were numbered for accountability purposes, as they were considered important weapons in their own right.
—Bruce N. Canfield, Field Editor
