FAL bayonet for 7.62 NATO assault rifle, Belgian (c 1954)

Title	FAL bayonet for 7.62 NATO assault rifle
Nationality	Belgian
Period	c 1954

Sold

MAGNIFY

This bayonet was made for the first self-loading assault rifle (7.62 NATO cartridge) built by Fabrique Nationale at Liege. It was also issued as a trial piece for the British army along with the rifle, as well as being sold for export, Peru and Argentina being the main customers, quite apart from Belgian army issue.

The lack of markings suggests that this particular piece is a commercial export item. The British trial pieces were marked quite specifically on the side of the tang.

The projections on the muzzle ring formed a flashguard when the bayonet was fixed on the rifle. In this respect, I believe this bayonet is unique, no other bayonets, to my knowledge, having this rather curious device attached to the muzzle ring.

This has had a hard service life: the throat screw of the scabbard is missing and the parkerised finish has worn off, though some traces are left on the blade, whose point has suffered somewhat from field abuse! There is a green nylon frog with it.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Bayonets : Belgian : 20th Century]

online museum

account

testimonials