Original Item: Only One Available. This is a nice example of a WWII Italian M1938 Carcano folding bayonet, which was then modified into a fixed blade bayonet. These unique folding knife bayonets were made for use on the Mannlicher-Carcano M1938 Short Rifle (fucile corto). These rifles were produced in both 6.5 mm. and 7.35 mm.

As originally designed, the bayonet blade folds into handle like a pocket knife. This was done because the bayonet was intended to remain fixed to the rifle. This did not work well in practice, so the folding feature was discontinued and a steel scabbard provided. Some bayonets were retrofitted with a new crossguard, and had the locking mechanism removed, such as this one had. The others were made fixed from the ground up.

This particular example is complete with a very rare original steel scabbard (most were never made) and canvas belt frog. Close examination of the bayonet shows that it still retains many of the features from the folding version of the bayonet. The hinge is still there, and the blade attaches to that hinge point, though it is now immobilized. The slot on the bayonet handle where the blade would fold into is still present, though with the replacement cross guard, it serves no purpose.

Overall condition is very nice, with functional push button bayonet lock, and some original finish on blade and wood grips. Scabbard is also in great shape, with a very god condition bayonet frog. A wonderful rare bayonet perfect for any WWII Italian or bayonet collection.