Muzzle Ring Screw on Mannlicher Model 1886 / 1888 / etc. Bayonets

[peregrinvs]

In order to fit it to a rifle, I need to slacken off the muzzle ring screw on this Mannlicher M88 bayonet - which is currently well frozen.

I was wondering if someone would kindly post a picture or two of what the screw looks like on these types of bayonets when it is undone so I can see what I’m up against?

Thanks.

[oldfoneguy]

Very special tool that fits on that nut. It attaches to what should essentially be a carriage bolt going through the top of the ring. I highly doubt those were ever meant to be loosened once assembled at the factory. My opinion is there is no adjustment there, fully tight and done. Leaving it loose is a recipe for disaster in a combat situation so that can't be a possible solution.
Work the interior of the ring with various grades of steel wool starting coarse then moving to finer. If that is completely unsuccessful work with a fine grade of emery paper to clean up inside the ring. Look for any peened areas that raise the surface on the faces of the ring, or if the ring itself is out of round. I'm sure you'll find something if you look closely. Trying to loosen that nut especially without the specifically correct armorers tool is begging for regret.

[peregrinvs]

Update. After cleaning as much crud as I could get at out of the muzzle ring, soaking it in penetrating oil for 3 weeks and improvising a dismantling tool, the screw undid with little difficulty. For a final giggle, I think I’ll try and dismantle and clean the locking mechanism.

[peregrinvs]

I succeeded.