Description
This folding bayonet stands as a testament to Italian ingenuity during the Second World War, crafted specifically for the Beretta Model 38A submachine gun. The blade, forged from high carbon steel, measures 6-3/4 inches and is designed to fold neatly into the handle when not in use. A button release on the ricasso permits the blade to be drawn out, pivoted, and locked firmly either open or closed, allowing the soldier to switch quickly between a compact knife and a ready bayonet.
When extended, the blade serves as a thrusting weapon suited for close-quarters fighting, while folded it functions as a practical utility knife,providing a dual-purpose tool that was invaluable to soldiers in the field. The accompanying metal sheath is made to original wartime specifications, protecting the blade and enabling secure attachment to a soldier’s belt.
- Overall length: 11-1/4 inches
- Blade length: 6-3/4 inches
Note: This bayonet was engineered to fit the Beretta Model 38A SMG, a mainstay of Italian infantry during WWII. Each component, from the high carbon steel blade to the wooden handle scales, reflects the materials and manufacturing methods of the period, offering a glimpse into the practical demands of wartime armament.
Fun Fact: The Beretta 38A folding bayonet’s compact design allowed soldiers to carry a reliable fighting blade without the bulk of a traditional fixed bayonet, a feature that inspired the development of more versatile combat knives in the decades that followed.
