Australian L1A2 Bayonet for the SLR
Straight single fullered blade with clipped Bowie point. Steel hilt with muzzle ring, sheet steel slab grips secured by two rivets around concealed tang. Steel pommel with locking button, steel scabbard with domed circular frog stud.
The L1A2 bayonet was developed in Britain for the SLR rifle (the Commonwealth version of the Belgian FAL) in parallel with the L1A1 bayonet. The A1 and A2 were effectively just alternate versions, with the only difference being the means of attaching the pommel. Both designs were approved on the same date in 1957 and Britain chose to produce the L1A1 while Australia and Canada adopted the L1A2. The Canadian version, which they referred to as the C1, can be distinguished by its various Canadian markings, while the Australian L1A2 bears no markings whatsoever.
The Australian bayonets were produced at the Lithgow plant from 1958 to around 1984. Until around 1962 they had squared fullers, this example has the post-1962 rounded fullers instead.
All parts of the bayonet have a matt phosphated finish. This has some bright spots of wear on raised edges where steel is exposed. The scabbard has some scratches and areas of patination. Some rust on and around one of the grip rivets.
