M38 Bayonet and M39 Fighting Knife

[sb98]

Hi guys,

I have a small blade collection and got these Italian pieces in the last year. I've kept an eye out for nice examples that won't break the bank and I really like these. I have a few questions I was hoping you could help me with.

Was the M39 knife only issued to paratroopers, or other types of units too?

The bayonet is the "fixed folding" version of the M38 Carcano. Are these more common than the version that came after them, the model without the old groove in the hilt left over from the folding version?

This one is marked with a BF in an oval. I've done a little research but I'm not sure on the maker. Does anyone know?

Thanks.

[sb98]

another view

[sb98]

another

[sb98]

I think it's interesting how the fighting knife is so large and the bayonet is relatively small.

[sb98]

I took this picture for fun, just to show the size differences between the Italian knife and bayonet and a typical German knife and bayonet from the same period. The German knife and the Italian bayonet look like butter knives when compared to their contemporaries. (pointy butter knives anyway)

[sb98]

Anyone?

[Sparviero]

Dear Tim L.,

Quoting Rex Trye's Mussolini's Soldiers:
"A second pattern of combat knife introduced in 1939 was widely used by paratroopers, MVSN Blackshirt and assualt units, Fascist Youth combat units within the army, Fascist Albanian Militia and Libyan units attached to the Colonial Army."

Regarding the Model 91/38 bayonet; I see the third and fourth model in the same qty's and prices at fairs. I am however not aware of any production data.
The first model is the one everyone is looking for

Greetings,

[sb98]

Dear Tim L.,

Quoting Rex Trye's Mussolini's Soldiers:
"A second pattern of combat knife introduced in 1939 was widely used by paratroopers, MVSN Blackshirt and assualt units, Fascist Youth combat units within the army, Fascist Albanian Militia and Libyan units attached to the Colonial Army."

Regarding the Model 91/38 bayonet; I see the third and fourth model in the same qty's and prices at fairs. I am however not aware of any production data.
The first model is the one everyone is looking for

Greetings,

Hi Sparviero,

Thanks for the info. about the knife's use.

I seem to notice more bayonets like mine with the slotted hilt than the next version with the solid hilt when I'm looking online. I agree, the folding version would be great to have. It's the next one on my list. I've found some nice ones, but not cheap. I like the looks of the fixed ones better, they have a nice design.

ciao

[Sparviero]

Dear Tim L.,

I think you will be looking for the second version. Both the first and second version are folding bayonets, but with a different locking system.
The first is much rarer and much more expensive.

Greetings,

[sb98]

Dear Tim L.,

I think you will be looking for the second version. Both the first and second version are folding bayonets, but with a different locking system.
The first is much rarer and much more expensive.

Greetings,

Hi Sparviero,

Either one in good condition would be ok with me. But you're right, the second folding version is expensive enough - and I have a lot of things on my list.