Fabrica Nacional Toledo Bayonet Machete 1941

The 1941 Toledo National Factory bayonet, often known as the "M1941 machete-bayonet," is a bladed weapon of great interest to collectors of Spanish militaria. Below is a summary of all the available information about it:

General Characteristics

Model and Use: This is a machete-bayonet designed primarily for the Spanish Army's M1943 Mauser rifle, although it was also compatible with earlier models such as the M1893 and M1916 Mausers.

Manufacture: It was produced at the Toledo National Factory (FNT) beginning in 1941, with production extending for several years.

Detailed Description

Blade: Straight, with a mustache (an unsharpened portion of the blade near the guard). Square spine on the inside and continuous edge on the outside. It has an arched recess and a groove (channel or groove) that almost reaches the tip, giving it a characteristic shape known in Spain as "falcata" or "afalcatada." Polished finish.

Foregrip: A crossguard with straight quillons. It has a muzzle loop and a mounting ring.

Handles: Generally made of wood with a black rhomboidal checkered pattern. They are attached to the central tang of the grip with two screws. There are also versions for the Spanish Navy with Bakelite or plastic grips.

Pommel: Shaped like a "bird's head." It contains the groove, the latch, and a spring-loaded button that allows it to fit onto the rifle.

All metal parts of the guard are usually blued (a treatment to darken and protect the metal).

Scabbard:

Made of sheet iron. It can be blued or phosphated (a more matte finish, common on Navy versions to avoid reflections). It bears its own serial number, often next to the muzzle. It has a semi-oval button for attaching to the baldric (bayonet strap).

Markings and Inscriptions

The distinctive bayonet marking is located on the left side of the blade.

It features the initials of the National Factory of Toledo, with an "F" superimposed on an "N" (in large letters).

Below, the word "TOLEDO" in capital letters, forming a semi-arch.

Above the "F" and the "N" is an imperial crown.

It also bears a serial number on the blade.

Variants and Trivia

Navy Version: There is a variant specific to the Spanish Navy. The main difference is that the metal parts are phosphated (Parkerized) to protect them from corrosion, and the grips can be made of plastic or Bakelite.

Adaptive: The Mauser Coruña rifle, which was a direct copy of the German Mauser 98K, had to be adapted with a detachable accessory to use these bayonets, as earlier Spanish models had a more separate anchor ring.

Materials:

Blade: carbon steel.
Handle: wood.
Sheath: acero.

Measurements:
Blade: 248 mm.
Overall: 375 mm.
Tickness: 6.8 mm.
Weight: 515 grs.

Made in España.