Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. During the Post WWII Era, especially during the Korean war, the United States exported numerous small arms to allied countries around the world. This served both as a way to dispose of a massive post WWII surplus, and as a way to fight the increasing spread of Communism. One country to receive these was Norway, who received at least 98,267 M1 Carbines, beginning in the early 1950s. Many of these came without bayonets, as the M4 bayonets were often kept by the U.S. soldiers, and they were also often damaged.
To fill the need for bayonets, Norway began producing its own M4 bayonets and scabbards circa 1954 at Kongsberg Våpenfabrikk (Kongsberg Weapons Factory). These were identical to the U.S. issue, except for the markings. Norwegian bayonets are marked with the CROWN / K proof from the Kongsberg factory.
This is an excellent condition example of the Norwegian made M4 Carbine bayonet fighting knife with an original Vietnam Era U.S. made M8A1 scabbard. This knife-style bayonet was based on the M3 fighting knife, and was introduced in 1944. This example is nicely marked U.S. M4 / (CROWN) / K on the blade side of the cross guard.
The bayonet is in excellent condition, and shows little sign of use, with just a bit of finish wear on the tip of the bayonet. The WWII style stacked leather grip is great, with only light wear, and there is no movement at all in the crossguard. Overall metal finish on the handle is very good, and the tang has a "starburst" peening pattern, like on U.S. made bayonets. The end latch is intact, and fully functional, and there is a CROWN / K proof om the bottom of the pommel.
Comes complete with a Korean War Era OD green scabbard marked U.S. M8A1 / VIZ / WD, offered in very good condition. This design features a thermoplastic impregnated cotton fabric body, metal throat, and canvas frog and securing strap, with a metal tip on the bottom of the scabbard. It has the darker OD green frog, and greater space between the throat and frog. Viz Manufacturing of Philadelphia had a contract for these bayonets in approximately 1967, during the height of the Vietnam war. The "WD" marking is somewhat rare, and not entirely understood. It is believed that possibly the "WD" contractor purchased unfinished scabbards from VIZ. The scabbard is in very good condition, with only light wear from use. The securing strap is still functional, and has brass fittings, which have a somewhat worn finish.
The perfect accessory for any Korean War issue M1 Carbine, especially if it has Norwegian import markings. Ready to display or use!
Dimensions:
Blade length: 6 3/4”
Blade Style: Spear Point Bayonet
Overall length: 11 5/8”
Crossguard: 2 5/8”
Scabbard length: 7 1/4"
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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