*Spanish, WW2 era, Modelo 1941 Bolo Bayonet & Scabbard, Matching Nos, Toledo Arsenal, with Ricchieri Adapter for M1943 Mauser*
A scarce and visually striking Spanish Modelo 1941 bolo-pattern bayonet, complete with its matching numbered steel scabbard and the correct Ricchieri bayonet adapter, as issued for use with the Spanish M1943 Short Rifle. This pattern represents Spain’s final development of the heavy machete-bayonet concept, carried forward from earlier artillery and colonial service designs.
The bayonet is fitted with the characteristic short, broad single-edged bolo blade with clipped point, intended to combine bayonet and cutting functions. It retains its heavy oval crossguard with muzzle ring and slab-sided wooden grips secured by steel rivets, all consistent with standard production by the Fábrica de Armas de Toledo. The bayonet is accompanied by its original steel scabbard, correctly matching in serial number.
The ricasso is stamped “6233 U”, with the crowned Toledo arsenal emblem faintly visible on the obverse (crown over “FN” over “Toledo”), as commonly encountered on service-used examples where markings were lightly struck or subsequently worn. Further inspection and assembly marks are present, including a “U” on the crossguard and an “8” adjacent to the muzzle ring. The steel scabbard is likewise marked “6233 U” to the reverse, with the serial also appearing faintly on the throat, confirming a fully matching set.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 25 cm. Overall length: 37.4 cm.
Historical Note:
The Bayoneta-Machete Modelo 1941 was introduced during the early Franco period as a replacement for the earlier Modelo 1907 Artillery bolo bayonet, retaining its distinctive blade form and heavy construction. Spain’s continued emphasis on short rifles and compact bayonets following the Civil War led to the pairing of this pattern with the Modelo 1943 Mauser Short Rifle, a relationship facilitated by the widespread use of the Ricchieri adapter.
Although commonly referred to in collector literature as the “Spanish Navy bolo bayonet,” there is no conclusive documentary evidence that the Modelo 1941 was restricted to naval service. The naval association likely stems from Spain’s historical issue of machete-bayonets to naval infantry, coastal defence troops, and specialist units, combined with the blade’s lineage from earlier artillery and colonial patterns. In practice, the M1941 appears to have seen broader issue across Army and specialist formations, rather than exclusive naval adoption.
Short bolo-style bayonets such as this were intended to serve as both weapon and tool, though in reality they proved awkward and inefficient for cutting tasks, a criticism echoed across many armies that experimented with similar designs. As a result, the pattern represents one of the last attempts to combine machete and bayonet roles before the concept was finally abandoned.
*Condition*
A genuine service-used example retaining strong overall form and attractive, honest patina throughout. The blade is very good and shows minor surface wear and age staining consistent with service. The wooden grips are secure and intact, showing expected wear. The scabbard displays matching service wear and remains structurally sound, with serial markings. The Ricchieri adapter is present, correct, and shows appropriate wear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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