May 8-10, 2024 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/9/2024
Seldom encountered Colt Model Armalite Bayonet. In the early 1960s, Colt obtained the rights to the AR-15 rifle from Armalite in order to attempt to secure a military contract for the rifle. Military specifications required that the rifle be manufactured to accommodate a bayonet and the M4 bayonet was considered for adaption, but was found to be unsuitable. Therefore, these early AR-15 bayonets are quite rare. The bayonet features a parkerized steel 7" spearpoint blade with a 3 - 1/2" double edge. The face of the blade is marked "COLT'S - 62082 HARTFORD, CONN. U.S.A." along with "ARMALITE PATENTS PENDING". Surface rust and freckling are evident throughout the length of the blade, but the markings remain clear. The blade is accompanied by the disassembled pieces including a parkerized steel crossguard which accommodates the bayonet lug, a green painted, grooved, hard plastic grip, and rear lug, which judging by the differences in patina, was not original to the rest of the components. Green plastic guard exhibits handling wear, with chips around the upper and lower edges. Although disassembled, this is still a very rare bayonet. CONDITION: Fair.
Item Dimensions: L: 12"