Item Description
Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This type of experimental bayonet fighting knife began life as an M7 bayonet for use with the U.S. M16 rifle. However, a one-piece cast aluminum grip panel with integrated knuckle duster guard was added in theater to create a dual purpose bayonet and close combat handheld weapon. These were very popular among USGIs in Vietnam and into the early 1980s but only very few were ever issued.
This example is offered in excellent nearly unissued condition, with a VERY sharp blade. The bayonet crossguard is marked U.S. M5A1 MILPAR. This is not the correct cerossguard for this bayonet and is clearly identified as being for the M5A1. While there were no exact specifications on these knives, this does appear to have been added, albeit done by a soldier or a collector replacing a missing item. The M8A1 scabbard is marked PWH for the Philadelphia Home for Working Blind. Later on this company marked scabbards with "TWB" in 1969-1970 to represent the Working Home's corporate name, The Working Blind, Inc. The scabbard is also named on the back with HARRISON and what appears to either be the last four of a service number or social security number; 1034. The scabbard body does show some rather extensive wear but has retained much of the paint, but unfortunately the structural integrity of the body is compromised by a crack running down the side of the body.
The bayonet itself is in excellent condition, with only a bit of wear and handling marks. The blade still shows the original machining marks, with the original factory grind, and is still very sharp. The handle is in great shape, though the blade tang is somewhat loose.
Overall a very interesting unique U.S. fighting knife with a hard to find knuckle guard. Ready to display!
- This product is not available for shipping in US state(s): Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington
This product is not available for international shipping.
- Prohibited and therefore not available for shipment to the following states: Alaska, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. Please check all local laws and restrictions before ordering.
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