German Bayonet with wedge cut out of top

[kmad]

Hi 

I have an opportunity to add this bayonet to my collection

I would have to swap an item that I have which lies outside my normal collecting sphere for the Bayonet but I like the item i would have to swap.

 

 

 

How rare are German bayonets which have been modified as in image  by removing the locking mechanism and cutting wedge to render them unable to be mounted on a rifle and turn them into side arms as per the 1919 Treaty rules.

 

I have a reasonably good German Bayonet collection and this would be a nice addition which i have never had opportunity to purchase before

are these bayonets inherently valuable or just a curiosity item? and is there a good chance of finding one again?

 

If someone could PM me an approximate value I would be grateful 

blade in good condition scabbard not as good

 

Regards

 

ken 

 

[trajan]

I cannot speak for rarity or for value - here in Turkey it is a different ball game as far as bayonets are concerned. But if you specialise in Imperial German bayonets, then in my opinion, more of a curiosity (although I would not mind having one!), but for Weimar and 3rdR collectors more of a must-have I would suspect. I am surprised that there are no Weimar police or other markings on the crossguard though. 

 

I see it is a Waffenfabrik - pound to a penny it is dated 1917, 50p to a penny it is dated 1918 (and can be done in euro's or cents if you wish!)...

 

Trajan

[Michael Haselgrove]

Ken,

I can't advise you as to value or rarity.  However, I can say that Anthony Carter wrote in German Bayonets Vol.I page55:

"As the amount of bayonets issued to the Police was strictly controlled after the 1914-18 War, but more sidearms were still required, the numbers were made up by issuing deactivated bayonets.  These S98/05, now quite scarce, had deep notches cut into the pommels, as much for easy identification as to render them useless as bayonets, since some with the notch but with unaltered press studs are still capable of being attached to a rifle.  A few deactivated bayonets have been recorded stamped 1920, and these may have been altered following visits by allied inspectors checking the number of arms in use."

Julian,

Only one of the three bayonets illustrated by Carter on the above-mentioned page is a Waffenfabrik Mauser and was made in 1916!

Regards,

Michael.

 

[kmad]

Thank you both for the replies,

I think I will try and offer money for the item as i do not think i will ever get the swap item again and the swap item is in itself a v rare piece of memorabilia which i could sell v easily if i wanted.

Thanks for your taughts and snip it out of Carters book

Ken 

[Gernika]

I’d say....coulb be 10% expensive that same condition 98/05 in your country.

Personal opinion.

I found, and passed, another 98/05 converted in a cutter for animal food last mont, only the bayo.

No point and a hole in the front. Well now at the ominpresent web auction bussines its the serrated scabbard.

should I try to purchase it?

I belive no, should stay focussed at real bayonets.

[kmad]

Hi Gernika

i too have a Splitter bayonet with the hole in the top but no scabbard

could you pm me to the auction site

thanks

ken

[Gernika]

PM sent

[trajan]

22 hours ago, Michael Haselgrove said:

 

Only one of the three bayonets illustrated by Carter on the above-mentioned page is a Waffenfabrik Mauser and was made in 1916!

 

 

Hello Michael,

 

Yes, I noted that - a rather rare unit-marked at that! Not exactly two a penny...!

 

Julian