Jump to content

WW1 German Ersatz Bayonet


Gildwiller1918

Recommended Posts

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

 

IMG_2226.JPG

IMG_2227.JPG

IMG_2228.JPG

IMG_2229.JPG

IMG_2230.JPG

IMG_2233.JPG

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

They are usually quite expensive and in poor condition.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. 

  • Like 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...