Gildwiller1918 Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 I have what I believe is a WW1 German Ersatz Bayonet, which was sold to Turkey, who then shortened the blade and modified the hilt as needed. This particular one, using the site below is the EB-9 type. It has "96403" stamped on the handle. I found this in an antique shop for $20 (16 pounds), being listed as an "Old Knife". Overall it seems to be in pretty good shape. The blade itself has been through a bench grinder to shine it up as there are evident scratch marks. The bayonet release lug was stuck closed from rust, but I have broken it loose now and it works just fine. Interesting piece to be sure. I would recommend caution if looking to add these to collections as there are fakes being produced, even fake handles and hilt assemblies are being sold. The website below has a lot of good information about these bayonets. http://old-smithy.info/bayonets/HTNL DOCUMNETS/German Ersatz.htm 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fritz Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 I had one like this, but it had an open or 3/4 ring, was with scabbard with some traces of original paintwork and some mud attached! Unfortunately traded on. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gildwiller1918 Posted September 9, 2019 Author Share Posted September 9, 2019 This is the first one I have gotten my hands on, could not argue with the price. But I need to educate myself a little more before diving into these bayonets. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fritz Posted September 9, 2019 Share Posted September 9, 2019 They are usually quite expensive and in poor condition. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gildwiller1918 Posted September 10, 2019 Author Share Posted September 10, 2019 I have seen quite a few lately, a lot of them with turkish markings, wonder if someone found a bunch and brought them back, this also tends to make me suspicious also. Yes, and I have noticed the more rare types can be really expensive. Was not aware there were so many varieties. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fritz Posted September 10, 2019 Share Posted September 10, 2019 There are several publications on Ersatz-Bayonets, one well known is by the author Anthony Carter, which is still recognised as a standard reference work. There were also many "Aushilfsseitengewehre" - captured bayonets, which were converted to fit German rifles, and also captured rifles were used. These were usually issued to home defence forces and Landsturm. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.