Italian M1 Bayonet.

The Italian M1 bayonet is a post-war production of the American M1 Garand bayonet, produced in the 1950s when Italy adopted the M1 Garand rifle. Although outwardly almost identical to the American originals, they are distinguished by specific Italian markings and production details.

Features and Identification

The Italian variants are generally of high quality and have the following specific characteristics:

• Markings: The most common marking is FAT (Fabbrica Armi Terni), often followed by a year such as "56" (1956). They usually also have a five- or six-digit serial number on the ricasso.
• Handle: (Grips): Italian M1 bayonets have plastic grips, just like the US models.
• Finish: Most examples are phosphated (parkerized) for a matte, gray or black corrosion-resistant finish.

Scabbards

Italian M1 bayonets were supplied with various types of scabbards that differ from the American M7:

• Patterned on M7: Many Italian scabbards resemble the American M7, but use a fabric (webbing) belt hanger instead of the standard metal M1910 wire hook.
• Reused materials: Some early Italian scabbards were reworked World War I-style leather scabbards, but dyed green to resemble the American plastic variants.