The M7 bayonet was introduced in 1964 and was designed for use with the American M16 assault rifle and M4 carbine. It is the famous Vietnam War issue bayonet. The Bauer Ordnance Company was the first contractor to produce the bayonet.
The 170mm blackened blade has a flat spine leading to a sharp upper edge giving it a flattened diamond cross section for the forward half of its length. The blade has a full-length single edge and is double-edged for the last 90mm. The blade is in good condition and retains a fighting edge.
The blackened cross guard and muzzle ring are stamped to the left of the blade on the forward side with the pattern designation, US M7 and on the right hand side of the blade with the maker’s initials, BOC, indicating that this bayonet was made by the Bauer Ordnance Company.
The black, knurled plastic grips are in good condition and are fixed firmly in place by two screws. The twin sprung mounting mechanism on the end of the pommel is in good working order.
The bayonet is complete with its M8A1 scabbard with steel throat and integral webbing belt loop. The throat of the scabbard is stamped with, USM8A1 over PWH, showing that the scabbard was made at the Pennsylvania Working Home for the Blind. The PWH produced M8A1 scabbards from 1965 until 1969. The last contract being in January 1969.
This is a good example of a Vietnam War period US M7 fighting knife bayonet.
