Original U.S. Vietnam War Milpar M6 Bayonet with Experimental Knuckle Guard and M8A1 Scabbard

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This experimental bayonet fighting knife began life an M6 bayonet for use with a the U.S. M14 rifle. However, a one-piece cast aluminum grip panel with integrated knuckle duster guard was added in theater to create a close combat handheld weapon.  It appears the bayonet may have become damaged, so it was adjusted and the handle cast directly around the tang and cross guard. This were very popular among USGIs in Vietnam but only very few were ever issued.

This example is offered in good condition and the crossguard of the bayonet is marked U.S. M6 / MILPAR COL, for the Columbus Milpar and Manufacturing Co., Columbus, Ohio. The guard is cast aluminum and in excellent condition. The blade does show some pitting, most likely from before conversion into a fighting knuckle knife. Blade has definitely seen use, and has the edge wear to show for it.

The original scabbard is marked, U.S. M8A1 / B.M. CO and is also in good condition, though it has been painted black and modified from the original configuration. The original canvas frog has been removed, and instead has been replaced by a leather belt loop, clamped on with a strip of metal. The fiberglass portion of the scabbard is solid, and was manufactured by Beckwith Mfg Co. a division of Victory Plastics, whose stylized V P logo is present on the scabbard body.

Overall a very interesting unique U.S. fighting knife dating from the Vietnam War.