WWII Italian Carcano Fixed Bayonet and Scabbard

WWII Italian M1938 Mannlicher Carcano Fixed Blade Bayonet & Scabbard.

Serial No F66546

This is a nice example of a WWII Italian M1938 Carcano bayonet , made for use on the Mannlicher-Carcano M1938 Short Rifle (fucile corto).

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, like this one, were retrofitted with a new crossguard, and had the locking mechanism removed