French, M1956 Pattern Bayonet with  Matching Scabbard, Dated 1959

*French, M1956 Pattern Bayonet with  Matching Scabbard, Dated 1959*

21.7cm blade, 34.3cm overall.

Marked "E-RM" on the cross piece and "E-RM" on the back of the scabbard.

Bayonet designed for the 7.5mm M1949/56 self-loading rifle, a French semi-automatic rifle introduced in 1949 to replace various bolt-action rifles as the standard French service rifle. An enhanced iteration, the MAS-49/56, emerged in 1957, drawing insights from experiences in Algeria, Indochina, and the Suez Crisis. To enhance mobility for mechanized and airborne troops, the MAS-49/56 underwent modifications, including a reduction in size and weight, along with the addition of a knife bayonet.

This bayonet showcases a distinctive dual muzzle ring arrangement, with a parkerized blade and black plastic grips. This particular example is an early model predating the shift to the M1958 version. The blade, influenced by the US M4 bayonet, underwent a redesign in 1958 due to concerns about its strength, resulting in approximately only 40,000 early-style bayonets being produced.

The scabbard body is constructed from steel and features an integrated leather belt hanger.

Marked with "E-RM" on the crosspiece and scabbard. The initial letter denotes the year of manufacture. This practice, initiated in 1955, assigns A to 1955.. E to 1959, and so forth (cf: researcher, Christian Méry). The letters "RM" identifies the private contractors responsible for the bayonet production, with "RM" indicating Société R. Merat (R. Merat Company) of Suresnes, a suburb of Paris (cf: French Collector Julien Ctr).

*Condition*
This bayonet is in excellent condition with minor signs of wear and tear. The scabbard fits securely and is in good condition with the commensurate dings and scratches to the scabbard that you'd expect. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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