USMC Ontario Knife 1 of 500 first fielded prototype bayonet OKC3S US Marines

Description

This is a rare bayonet, rarely seen for sale. It is a 1 of 500 USMC Ontario Knife OKC3S first fielded prototype bayonet. This prototype is a bridge design, between the M9 bayonet and what would become the OKC3S USMC standard bayonet. This bayonet can be disassembled like an M9, the handle is hard rather than soft like on the OKC3S, the scabbard is lighter and simpler than the OKC3S. Prior to the OKC3S design being finalized, the Marines ordered 500 of this prototype for field trials with operational units. These went to deployed units in Afghanistan and Iraq for actual combat use to determine what changes were needed in the production bayonets. This field feedback resulted in the final OKC3S design using a non removable fixed tang blade, using soft rubber like handle material, and the scabbard incorporating additional straps with a cover for the sharpening rod.
The bayonet for sale has seen much field use, but remains in usable condition. Blade and scabbard not unit marked. The sharpening rod on the back of the scabbard body is missing a piece, but is in place. All snaps work. USMC insignia is partially legible on the handle. Please examine all pictures before bidding as they are part of the description. This bayonet is a survivor, as most likely many of the 500 were lost or destroyed during their combat use. It is a key bayonet for the US bayonet collector or the USMC collector. Buyer to pay .95 shipping. US bids only. Ebay will collect applicable sales tax.