American Gladius: A Study of the M-9 Multi-Purpose Bayonet System

The M9 has been the United States Army s standard bayonet for over
two decades with no plans in sight to replace it. In fact, it is already the
longest serving American bayonet, joining the M-16 as an enduring
symbol of the American soldier. Without exaggeration, it has become
an icon of the American Army in much the same way as the Gladius
became symbolic of the Roman Legions. This book chiefly focuses on
the M9, its manufacturers, evolution, variations, accessories, and collectability
with the objective to spotlight only those M9s of military
issue. Beyond that, the intention is to provide fellow collectors with
a reference and a tool that will enhance their collecting experience
through objective data as well as personal knowledge and experience.
There is no other bayonet in all of American military history which
possesses such a one of a kind individualism while at the same time
displaying so obvious an American personality of design as the M9!