Venezuela was the first country to adopt the renowned FN Model 1949 self-loading rifle in 1949. Venezuela opted to equip their FN Model 1949 rifles with a modified version of the FN M1924 Mauser sword bayonet. The muzzle ring on the M1924/49 is much larger to accomodate the FN Model 1949 rifle's barrel (which Venezuela had fitted with a muzzle brake). Otherwise, it is identical to bayonets used with FN-made Mauser short rifles exported during the 1920's and 1930's. Indonesia subsequently adopted this same bayonet for their FN Model 1949 rifles in 1951. This represented the end of an era that began in the late 1700's. The last sword bayonet to be adopted by a major army.

 

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© Ralph E. Cobb 2009 All Rights Reserved