Owen Gun Bayonet: Vintage Steel

The Owen Gun was an Australian submachine gun designed by Evelyn Owen in 1939. It was used by the Australian Army from 1943 until the mid 1960's. This is an example of the bayonet that was designed for this weapon, it was approved for service in July 1944. However, very few Owen Guns were fitted with the attachment points until after the end of World War 2.

Blade length is 10 inches, reduced from the 1907 pattern's 17 inches. The bayonet shown here was made in November 1944 at Orange, New South Wales, Australia. In this video we look at the the numerous markings on both the bayonet and sheath.

I have had this bayonet for more than thirty years, and it is the genuine article. If I recall correctly, I purchased this from an army disposal store for very little cost way back then. It seems this is now something of a collectors item. I hope you enjoy this look at the oldest blade in my collection.

[unomas]

Very interesting information.I find it amazing the history of old military items.Very nice bayonet and very collectible.

[TheLazySpoiledKitty]

i know very little about these Bayonets so this was a cool video :). They look very reliable and i bet the soldiers won many great battles with them :). Thanks for the video Mark!

[AussieMark]

@1234sensei Thankyou very much mate, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[wattshappenin]

Great video Mark. Thanks for suggesting it to me. Some really interesting details and it has encouraged me to do a bit more research on Pop's Bayonet. Cheers.

[waynethomas]

Great artefact, thanks for sharing. The OA stands for orange arsenal. The X is a blade proof mark.

[saehc]

Mounting a bayonet on an SMG never really caught on, there was the Mk V Sten, the Sterling and the Uzi had a mounting lug too. A dedicated SMG bayonet is a rare, wondrous thing.

[billwray]

thanks mate, very informative. Great video.

[AussieMark]

@TheLazySpoiledKitty I'm sure no bayonet expert either, I think I'm very lucky to have this. Glad you liked the video, take care mate.

[AussieMark]

@hatsan38 Cheers mate, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[AussieMark]

@unomas58 Thanks for commenting, they sure have lots of interest and history.

[AussieMark]

@troy5690 It sure is, I just wish I'd not messed up the blade finish. When I got it they were fairly common and cheap so who knew they would become collectable? I'm really lucky to have this one.

[Alldaboss]

I have that same bayonet except mine had been shortened, always thought it was an Enfield bayonet

[AussieMark]

@daisyhilldude Thanks for tht, I'm no expert on these so it's good to learn a bit more.

[AussieMark]

If I could only have one rifle it would be a 308 for sure

[raphlvlogs]

i can see the Japanese influence in it's design.