US, Vietnam Era, U.S. M7 Bayonet by Imperial, with USM8A1 PWH Scabbard and Web Frog

 *US, Vietnam Era, U.S. M7 Bayonet by Imperial, with USM8A1 PWH Scabbard and Web Frog*

Original U.S. M7 bayonet-knife for the M16 rifle family, retaining its blackened spear-point blade and chequered black grips secured by two screws. The ricasso is stamped U.S. M7 / IMPERIAL, one of the recognised U.S. government contractors for the M7 pattern during the 1970s–1980s.

The bayonet is accompanied by its USM8A1 scabbard, the metal throat stamped USM8A1 / PWH, fitted with olive web frog and metal chape. The web fittings retain RAU marked press studs. The frog is missing its original belt hanger and is now secured with a simple wire loop, as shown. This remains a correct service combination commonly encountered with M7 bayonets during the Vietnam War and Cold War period.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 17 cm. Overall length: 30 cm.

History Note:
The M7 bayonet was standardised by the United States in 1964 for use with the 5.56 mm NATO M16 rifle, replacing earlier bayonets used with the M1 Carbine and M14. Although visually similar to the earlier M4 bayonet, the M7 has a longer hilt and modified latch dimensions to fit the wider M16 bayonet lug.

Imperial Knife Company of Providence, Rhode Island, was one of the principal contractors for U.S. bayonets in the post-war period and produced M7 bayonets under several contracts between 1973 and 1984. Imperial had previously manufactured M3, M4, M5 and M6 bayonets, and was heavily involved in U.S. bayonet development from the Second World War through the Cold War.

The USM8A1 scabbard was the standard U.S. scabbard for the M4–M7 bayonet series. The PWH marking identifies production by the Pennsylvania Working Home for the Blind, a government contractor that assembled large numbers of M8A1 scabbards for U.S. forces during the Vietnam War era.

*Condition*
Bayonet in good service condition with clear markings to the ricasso. Blade showing light wear and minor marks consistent with age and handling. Grips secure. Pommel and guard with some finish loss and age wear. Scabbard complete, with honest service wear, oxidation to the metal throat and chape. Web frog with age and wear, lacking the original belt hanger and now secured with a simple wire loop, as shown. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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