Swiss, Cold War c.1958–1980s, SIG Sturmgewehr 57 (Bajonett Mod. 1957) Bayonet & Scabbard, Victorinox - Waffenfabrik Bern, for Sturmgewehr 57

*Swiss, Cold War c.1958–1980s, SIG Sturmgewehr 57 (Bajonett Mod. 1957) Bayonet & Scabbard, Victorinox - Waffenfabrik Bern, for Sturmgewehr 57*

A Swiss Bajonett Modell 1957 (M57) knife bayonet for the SIG Sturmgewehr 57 (Stgw.57) service rifle, retaining its correct composite scabbard and Swiss federal acceptance markings. The bayonet features a single-edged spear-point blade with a pronounced central ridge and shallow fullers, finished bright throughout in the typical Swiss military style.

The ricasso is serial numbered V 329906 identifying Victorinox as the blade manufacturer, and bears the circular W+F federal acceptance mark of Waffenfabrik Bern, indicating inspection and acceptance into Swiss military service. The steel crossguard incorporates the correct muzzle ring and is stamped KV146, a standard Swiss inspection and control mark associated with Stgw.57 bayonet production. The bayonet is fitted with its original ribbed black synthetic grips, secured by two rivets, and retains the Swiss push-button locking mechanism in the pommel. Within the oval mould mark on the grip is a “G over M” stacked letter marking, a factory mould cavity identifier used during the injection moulding process to track production batches.

The bayonet is housed in its correct black composite scabbard with steel throat and chape. The throat is stamped P, attributed to Paillard AG, a known Swiss contractor for bayonet scabbard components. The reverse of the scabbard carries a circular B over 5133 inspection or batch mark.

Overall the piece represents a classic example of the Swiss Modell 1957 bayonet, well known for its robust construction and precision manufacturing typical of Swiss Cold War military equipment.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 23.8 cm. Overall length: 36.9 cm.

Historical Note:
The Bajonett Mod. 1957 was introduced alongside the SIG Sturmgewehr 57, Switzerland’s standard infantry rifle adopted in 1957 and issued from 1958 onwards. Chambered in 7.5×55mm Swiss, the Stgw.57 was designed as a precision battle rifle reflecting Swiss military doctrine emphasising accuracy, reliability and extremely high manufacturing standards.

Swiss procurement policy deliberately divided production of military blades between multiple domestic manufacturers, principally Victorinox and Wenger, with final inspection and acceptance undertaken by the Swiss federal arms factory Waffenfabrik Bern (W+F). This system ensured both industrial redundancy and strict quality control.

Unlike many contemporary Cold War bayonets, the Swiss Mod.1957 emphasised durability and precision machining rather than mass production economy. The result was a robust and well-finished service bayonet that remained in Swiss military use for several decades until the gradual replacement of the Stgw.57 by the SIG SG 550 series beginning in the late 1980s.

Today the Mod.1957 is widely regarded by collectors as one of the finest Cold War era bayonets, reflecting the exceptional engineering standards for which Swiss military equipment is known.

*Condition*
The bayonet remains in very good overall condition. The blade retains its bright finish with only light signs of handling and storage wear. The serial number and Waffenfabrik Bern acceptance marks remain clearly legible. The synthetic grips are intact and secure, showing only minor handling marks and retaining the visible G over M mould cavity mark. The locking mechanism appears complete and functions as intended. The composite scabbard remains structurally sound with typical light service wear to the finish. The steel throat and chape remain intact with inspection marks visible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQBOXFE_298731012026