Vietnam War Era U.S. Army M7 bayonet ~ Vintage

Genuine Vietnam War Era U.S. Army M7 bayonet fighting knife for the M-16 Rifle, with an original M8A1 scabbard. This knife-style bayonet was based on the M4 bayonet for the M1 Carbine, which was based on the M3 fighting knife. The M7 is almost identical, except for the much larger muzzle ring to go over the M16's flash hider. This example is marked U.S. M7 / IMPERIAL around the blade on the cross guard. This was manufactured by Imperial Knife Co, at the time one of the largest knife manufacturers in the country. They had manufactured many M4 bayonets for the m1 Carbine, as well as the M5 for the M1 Garand, and the M6 for the M-14. All of these featured the same blade, with different handles and other fittings.

The blade is in very good condition with almost no wear. It looks to be powder coated, maybe over a phosphate finish. The blade is still very sharp, and the only wear is from the runners, and also some of the plastic from the scabbard has rubbed onto the powder coat. Grips are the standard hard black checkered phenolic type, and they are in excellent condition, with no cracks or chips, seems to be unissued.

Comes with an OD green scabbard marked U.S. M8A1 / P W H also in offered in very good condition. This design features a thermoplastic impregnated duck canvas body, metal throat, and canvas frog and securing strap with a steel pistol belt hook. The condition seems to be unissued, with just light storage wear.

Blade length: 6 3/4”
Blade Style: Spear Point Bayonet
Overall length: 12”
Cross guard: 3”
Scabbard length: 7 3/8" with belt frog