Madsen M47 Bayonet

[Singer B]

I just picked up a Madsen M47 with bayonet and sheath. The rifle is in the 5500 serial number range. I expected the bayonet to have a matching number but it has no number or markings of any kind. I have seen some posts on the internet that some M47 bayonets were not numbered. Is this correct and what impact does this have on the value of the bayonet and the rifle? Thank you for your assistance!

[MAC702]

I wish I knew. All rifles were issued and imported with their bayonets. I have one of the few that someone has separated the bayonet from the rifle in its many exchanges before it got to the guy I got it from. When I first saw your post, I was hoping you were selling a bayonet!

[Singer B]

Sorry, no sale! I've been looking at this specific rifle for two years in my friend's collection and was finally able to get him to agree to sell it to me. I was disappointed when I found the bayonet was not serialized to match. I'm hoping that the non serialized bayonets are worth more or the same as the serialized bayonets. I just finished disassembling the rifle, detail cleaning it and then conserving it. Turned out really nice and the action is impressively smooth!

[browningautorifle]

I expected the bayonet to have a matching number but it has no number or markings of any kind. I have seen some posts on the internet that some M47 bayonets were not numbered.

I'd just go with that position.

[Flying10uk]

I expected the bayonet to have a matching number

Why would that be?

[Singer B]

Per my research, it appears that the vast majority of Madsens were delivered with bayonets marked with matching serial numbers. That research also indicated that a small number of bayonets were not marked and these non-serialized bayonets may be more valuable due to their oddity. But how does this affect the value of the rifle that it is supposed to match.

My personal theory is that either due to a rush to complete the order or maybe just a lack of effort from the manufacturer late in the run, these last bayonets were not marked. The only thing I have to support this theory is that my rifle is ion the 5500 range, basically one of the last 500 rifles manufactured for the Colombian order.

I try to be fair when I am placing values on my collection pieces since I only sell or trade with friends and should I ever sell it, I want to provide an accurate cost/value. Thanks again!