M1870 Italian Bayonet

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	Weapon: M1870 Italian Bayonet Type: Sword Bayonet Country of Origin: Italy Year Adopted: 1870 Overall Length (mm): 640.0 Overall Length (in): 25.2 Weight (kg): 0.70 Weight (pounds): 1.54

The M1870 Italian Bayonet was introduced alongside the Italian Vetterli M1870 rifle, the first bolt-action service rifle adopted by the Kingdom of Italy. Designed with a straight, single-edged blade of approximately 20 inches in length, the bayonet was closer in form to a short sword than earlier socket bayonets. It featured a brass hilt with a distinctive T-shaped slot and locking spring to attach securely to the Vetterli rifle, while the overall design emphasized reach and durability, making it a versatile weapon for both combat and utility purposes.

Production of the M1870 bayonet was extensive, with hundreds of thousands manufactured between the 1870s and 1890s at state arsenals such as Torino and Brescia. Issued widely to the Italian Army, it accompanied troops in colonial campaigns in Africa, including the disastrous Battle of Adwa in 1896, where Italian forces clashed with Ethiopian warriors. Many of these bayonets were later modified to fit upgraded versions of the Vetterli rifle, particularly when Italy converted rifles to fire smokeless powder cartridges in the 1880s and 1890s.

The M1870 Italian Bayonet earned a reputation for its size and distinctive appearance, often remarked upon by collectors and historians as one of the more imposing European bayonets of the late 19th century. While somewhat heavy compared to later knife bayonets, its sword-like form reflected a transitional period in military thinking, where the bayonet still served as a significant battlefield weapon. Today, it stands as an iconic piece of Italian military history and is highly prized by collectors due to its historical associations with both European wars and Italy's colonial endeavors.