A very strong and attractive example of the Italian Mannlicher-Carcano Model 1891/38 fixed bayonet, complete with a steel scabbard showing a recognised wartime variation. This piece displays excellent overall condition, particularly to the blade, and remains a solid, honest example.

Hilt & Grips

The wooden grips are in superb condition and remain firmly secured by the original four screws. There are a few extremely minor indentations to one side of the grip panel, but these are very slight. Overall, the grips present extremely well.

The rifle retaining button is fully functional and operates exactly as it should. The crossguard and hilt retain the majority of their original blued finish, with only light honest wear consistent with service use.

The flashguard section is serial numbered M21499. There also appear to be faint inspection stamps present near the crossguard area; these are lightly struck and difficult to read clearly, but are visible under close examination.

Blade

The blade is in near-mint condition and retains outstanding wartime bluing throughout. It shows only the original factory finish and sharpening, with no signs of post-war sharpening or alteration. This is an exceptionally clean blade by any standard, and one that many collectors would describe as mint; however, it is conservatively described here as near mint.

Scabbard

The steel scabbard is a recognised variation, distinguished by its construction details, including the separate screw-mounted frog stud arrangement when compared to more commonly encountered examples.

Condition is very good overall. There is some minor surface pitting, most noticeable toward the lower portion of the scabbard, along with a single small indentation to the reverse, which is shown clearly in the photographs. These points are purely cosmetic and do not detract from functionality.

The bayonet fits the scabbard superbly, seating snugly with very little movement.

Overall

A very desirable and well-preserved Italian Model 1891/38 bayonet, combining a near-mint blade with a solid hilt and an interesting scabbard variation. An honest wartime example that presents extremely well and would sit comfortably in any WW2 Italian edged-weapons collection.

Historical Note

The Mannlicher-Carcano Model 1891/38 bayonet was adopted during the late 1930s as part of Italy’s continued development of its Carcano rifle system. Fixed-blade variants replaced earlier folding designs, addressing issues with durability and blade security. These bayonets saw service throughout the Second World War, with a number of production variations appearing as wartime pressures influenced materials, finishes, and construction details, including scabbard manufacture.

All items are carefully packed for safe transit.