Belgian FN FAL Type C Socket Bayonet with Cast Sleeve

The Belgian FN FAL Type C socket bayonet with cast sleeve and steel scabbard is a later variant of the well-known socket bayonet for the legendary FN FAL rifle. Among collectors, this model is also known as the cast variant and originates from the late production period of Fabrique Nationale (FN Herstal).

Features of the cast sleeve (1977–1988)

• Production method: While earlier Type C bayonets featured a drawn or milled steel tube as a sleeve, this late type (produced between approximately 1977 and 1988) was introduced to reduce production costs. FN cast the sleeve, after which it was mechanically finished.
• Sprue line: An authentic cast specimen can be directly recognized by a subtle, longitudinal sprue line running across the sleeve.
• Locking mechanism: This type is typically equipped with the M1965 locking mechanism (the push button with the characteristic "wings" instead of the early knurled button).
• Finish: The bayonets are usually phosphated (parkerized) and finished with a matte black lacquer coating over the sleeve.

The steel scabbard

• Rarity: Upon the introduction of the cast Type C, FN largely switched to cheaper plastic (synthetic) scabbards with an integrated webbing frog for its own domestic use.
• Export & Countries: The combination of a cast sleeve with a steel scabbard is rarer among purely Belgian military equipment. However, this specific configuration was regularly supplied for foreign export contracts or was combined as a replacement part by countries such as the Netherlands (which maintained the steel scabbard as standard). The steel scabbard is recognizable by its round frog stud and the high-quality ball-shaped finish at the tip.

• Markings: Most cast Type C bayonets are completely blank and carry no serial numbers or factory stamps. Sometimes, a small FN cast number can be found on the inside of the mechanism.