Original Item: Only One Available. Carcano is the frequently used name for a series of Italian bolt-action, magazine-fed, repeating military rifles and carbines. Introduced in 1891, this rifle was chambered for the rimless 6.5×52mm Carcano cartridge (Cartuccia Modello 1895). It was developed by the chief technician Salvatore Carcano at the Turin Army Arsenal in 1890 and called the Modello (model) 91 or simply M91. Successively replacing the previous Vetterli-Vitali rifles and carbines in 10.35×47mmR, it was produced from 1892 to 1945. The M91 was used in both rifle (fucile) and shorter-barreled carbine (moschetto) form by most Italian troops during the First World War and by Italian and some German forces during the Second World War. The rifle was also used during the Winter War by Finland, and again by regular and irregular forces in Syria, Libya, Tunisia, and Algeria during various postwar conflicts in those countries.

This is a Knife bayonet for use on the 6.5 mm M1891 Mannlicher-Carcano rifles, and most M1891 carbines. This bayonet will not mount to the M1891 Cavalry Carbine (Moschetto da Cavalleria), 2nd model M1891 TS Carbine (Moschetto per Truppe Speciali), or the M1938 Short Rifle (Fucile Corto). Those models had bayonets made specifically for them.

These bayonets had nearly a 50 year service life, though this example still looks very
nice. The scabbard on this example is leather with brass fittings, though they also came with steel fittings, and could be entirely made of ribbed or smooth steel.

This example has no visible maker markings on the grip spine, and does not appear to have been arsenal refurbished, as the machine marks are still visible. It is faintly marked RA W49 on the cross guard, most likely the serial number of the rifle it was fitted to. The blade has the original arsenal sharpening, and is in fair condition, with a lot of finish wear from the scabbard. The wooden grip scales are also quite worn, with some chips, dents and dark staining present.

The brass-fitted leather scabbard has held up quite well, and still has a good deal of the original finish on the leather. The stitching is intact, and the throat is still tight on the blade.

A nice example of a WWII bayonet, in very good condition. Ready to fit to your Carcano rifle!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 11 5/8”
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 16 1/8”
Crossguard: 3 1/2”
Scabbard length: 12 1/2"