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For your consideration, you are viewing a piece of Military History, this bayonet is an Italian M1938 "Fixed Folding" Knife Bayonet, (Pugnale Baionetta) complete with a Conventional M91 Steel Scabbard with a frog stud containing throat piece screw and Leather Frog, this bayonet was for use on the Mannlicher-Carcano M1938 Short Rifle (Fucile corto) produced in both 6.5 mm. and 7.35 mm. There were five known variants - Folding, Fixed-Folding, and Fixed. Three models where the blade folds into the handle like a pocket knife and two are fixed bayonets. This example is the "4th Fixed" model. The blade profile has been altered and machined into a clip-point Bowie-style blade. The M1938 knife bayonets were used by the Italian Fascist Army and were originally manufactured as a unique "Folding" Knife Bayonet. It was a curious design, that could be folded, just like a pocket knife, however impractical... these bayonets were to be kept attached permanently to the muzzle of the rifle. The knife blade would fold back into the stock (this is why the Fucili M1938 has a slotted nose cap), and would only be folded out in case of necessity. Unfortunately, the folding blade gimmick was not of much use as it soon lost its folding mechanism and ultimately had to be remade or repaired to make it completely fixed. The folding mechanism was somewhat fragile, costly, and impractical for combat use, so the folding feature was eventually discontinued and a steel scabbard provided. The first variant was the true "Folding" original; the second variant was the 'Fixed Folding' model and is the most commonly found folding variant identical to the first model except for the conventional cross button lug catch. This cross-button catch locks into a cutout on the left side of the bayonet lug, where the folding mechanism was made inoperative while retaining the slot in the hilt where the blades would previously fold into the now empty slot; the third variant was a simplified folding design employing a round fullered folding blade with a solid locking shoulder and no internal locking lugs in the shoulder well. The fourth and fifth variants are both fixed-blade variants. The fourth variant was the Fixed Folder and was not strictly a purpose-built production variant but more of a salvage item, as they were cobbling together from parts of existing folding bayonet components into a fixed-bladed bayonet. This fifth variant is purpose-built with a fixed blade and solid tang. Grips are retained by dome-headed rivets in washers. The blade has round-ended fullers like those on the third variant bayonets but the blade profile is not set back like the third variant blade Only these short model bayonets could be truly called a "knife bayonet" since it is indeed a knife, short dagger or fruit peeler. Patterned after the fascist daggers (Pugnali) it was a popular war souvenir with US soldiers, so small it fits nicely into a ladies' handbag... even today these mini bayonets are highly sought after, especially in its first folding variant. You have to question why the Italians wanted to fix these mini bayonets to their cavalry carbines... Why didn't they make them more easily detachable to provide the soldier with a bayonet as a fighting knife in close combat, or for slaughtering chickens or opening tin cans? This is an extremely unusual bayonet and would be a great addition and conversation piece for any of the more serious collectors. # The makers and inspection marks are:

• TANG: "L 76043"

CONDITION: This WWII bayonet is from circa 1940s, and is in good condition for its age and use in warfare. The grips are in very good condition with no missing pieces, indents or marks and fit tightly to the tang, the release/lock button is in working order. The 17.5 cm blade has a Bright Polished finish with machine marks where the blade profile has been altered and machined into a clip-point Bowie-style blade. The edge and the point are sharp and have no dings. The remaining metal on the cross-guards, pommel and mortise has a bright polished finish with some scuff wear, and indents. The scabbard is in very good condition with no dents, the frog's leather is supple and is showing some age, and the stitching is broken on both sides of the top of the pocket section, someone has made a makeshift wire repair, and also folded over the leather into an open pocket. # Please note that the photographs form part of the description; Super-sized photos are available for viewing in the eBay gallery, to show the finer details and conditions.

• Photos do not show the actual size so please read the description page for the exact measurements.
• Colours may display differently depending on your computer and settings.
• The item in the photos is the one that you will receive.
• The lead photo has had the background removed with Photoshop, but all the original untouched photos are included in the listing for viewing.
• Any errors will be accidental and not intentional or purposely misleading.