Australian machete bayonet

Brits didn't make these the Australians are the only ones that did

Only a few thousand made so I think that makes it rare -- this is a reproduction as an original would be in the $600 plus range

Here is info on it :

The Duel purpose Mk I A24 Bayonet was originally made for airborne troops and was designed for use with the No. 1Mk III Rifle. It was approved for production on the 3^rd of April 1944 and the pattern was sealed on the 12^th of April 1944. In 1946 the nomenclature was amended to Machette bayonet MkI and a MkII was introduce. The machette bayonet was available to other personnel other than paratroops by this time.

The original drawings and prototypes were produced at Lithgow but it appears the actual production was done at Orange Small Arms Factory N.S.W. It is indicated in one of my reference books that Major Harcourt of the 2/6^th Commando Squadron was involved in the design of this particular bayonet.

The overall length of the Mk I A24 is 16 inches; the blade length is 11.2 inches, muzzle ring diameter 16.5 mm and the scabbard 16.5 inches. The production run was 3,412

The only markings on this Bayonet are a Broad arrow acceptance mark on the Ricasso and the Pommel is stamped 3724.

At one time it would have had SLAZ and the date stamped on one side of the Coachwood Handle Grip but I can only just make out part of this original stamping now.

The Blade would have been originally blued but all of the original finish has gone. The hilt and grips are the same as the No.1 Bayonet (Pattern 1907 A10 nomenclature changed to No.1 Mk I in 1926). The stampings on the Pommel ranged from 3001 to 6412 so it would appear this particular example was made in the first order.

It comes with its original Olive and Khaki Webbing and Canvas Scabbard, which is stitched and reinforced with 3 copper rivets. The mouthpiece is made of spring steel and the retaining loop has a Brass Press-stud to secure the pommel. Printed on the back of the Scabbard is R.M.B. Ltd. 1944 or initials something like that it is hard to read.

The Scabbards are even hard to locate than the bayonet with only just under 2,500 sheaths listed on the one and only order for them.

This particular Bayonet was a real find as they are not an easy pattern to locate in any condition I would rate this one as Excellent.

Edited by Enfield trader - May 14 2006 at 2:45am

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Enfield trader Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: May 11 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 923	Post Options Post Reply Quote Enfield trader Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Australian machete bayonet Posted: May 12 2006 at 2:06pm
	Here is a interesting bayonet and rare as I have been told

Guests Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Guest Group	Post Options Post Reply Quote Guests Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May 13 2006 at 8:04pm
	not really, interesting. just another bayonet with more than one use. The Brits thought if there are not many mines in the jungle and a lot of jungle in the jungle, lets make a machette for our airborne to use. the idea is a macheetee and a slice and dice bayonet, not a stabby one. correct me if i am wrong but that looks like a replica?!?!?

Enfield trader Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: May 11 2006 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 923	Post Options Post Reply Quote Enfield trader Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May 14 2006 at 2:43am
	Brits didn't make these the Australians are the only ones that did Only a few thousand made so I think that makes it rare -- this is a reproduction as an original would be in the $600 plus range Here is info on it : The Duel purpose Mk I A24 Bayonet was originally made for airborne troops and was designed for use with the No. 1Mk III Rifle. It was approved for production on the 3^rd of April 1944 and the pattern was sealed on the 12^th of April 1944. In 1946 the nomenclature was amended to Machette bayonet MkI and a MkII was introduce. The machette bayonet was available to other personnel other than paratroops by this time. The original drawings and prototypes were produced at Lithgow but it appears the actual production was done at Orange Small Arms Factory N.S.W. It is indicated in one of my reference books that Major Harcourt of the 2/6^th Commando Squadron was involved in the design of this particular bayonet. The overall length of the Mk I A24 is 16 inches; the blade length is 11.2 inches, muzzle ring diameter 16.5 mm and the scabbard 16.5 inches. The production run was 3,412 The only markings on this Bayonet are a Broad arrow acceptance mark on the Ricasso and the Pommel is stamped 3724. At one time it would have had SLAZ and the date stamped on one side of the Coachwood Handle Grip but I can only just make out part of this original stamping now. The Blade would have been originally blued but all of the original finish has gone. The hilt and grips are the same as the No.1 Bayonet (Pattern 1907 A10 nomenclature changed to No.1 Mk I in 1926). The stampings on the Pommel ranged from 3001 to 6412 so it would appear this particular example was made in the first order. It comes with its original Olive and Khaki Webbing and Canvas Scabbard, which is stitched and reinforced with 3 copper rivets. The mouthpiece is made of spring steel and the retaining loop has a Brass Press-stud to secure the pommel. Printed on the back of the Scabbard is R.M.B. Ltd. 1944 or initials something like that it is hard to read. The Scabbards are even hard to locate than the bayonet with only just under 2,500 sheaths listed on the one and only order for them. This particular Bayonet was a real find as they are not an easy pattern to locate in any condition I would rate this one as Excellent. Edited by Enfield trader - May 14 2006 at 2:45am

A square 10 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 16998	Post Options Post Reply Quote A square 10 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: December 19 2006 at 12:02am
	shes a beauty , i think a find like that would rate right up there with an original hooked quillon , i can see that it would be an item with apperent use in civilian life after the war and might have been desired enough to take home and use