Australian ,1953, Owen Mk1 Knife Bayonet & Scabbard

*Australian ,1953, Owen Mk1 Knife Bayonet & Scabbard*

Knife bayonet for use with the 9 mm. Owen submachine gun.
The Owen Mk. I bayonet is a Pattern 1907 newly-manufactured with a 250mm blade with a 127 mm fuller. 375mm overall. This Owen Mk. I bayonet was made in 1953 at Lithgow Small Arms Factory. The scabbard was made in 1953 by Slazenger. Ricasso: "MA" over 53 and Broad Arrow, "X" (bend test). On the obverse side a Broad arrow, a bomb and 52. The grip has SLAZ on one side and AZ on the other. The scabbard top mount has OA and the body has W and MA53.

The Owen submachine gun bayonet was issued with the Owen submachine gun to Australian Army units during the Second World War, Korea and early in the Vietnam conflict.

Owen Mk. I bayonets were manufactured at Small Arms Factory No.3, Orange in 1944–45 and at Lithgow Small Arms Factory in 1953. The wood grips were made by Slazenger who produced the grip scales for most Australian issue bayonets, with spring release catch to the right side of the pommel.

The Owen scabbard is identical to the Australian-made Pattern 1907, but shorter to accommodate the average 10" blade. The scabbard bodies were made by Mangrovite and the steel mounts at SAF-3, Orange.

*Condition*
This Australian Knife Bayonet is in excellent condition. The blade is blued and clean. The grip has a good patina and only a few age related dings, the mortise button is in good working order. The leather and metal scabbard is also in good condition with a tight fit. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.