Belgian 1916 Model WW1 Bayonet. Matching Numbers. #2111007

These scarce Belgian model 1916 bayonets were produced in England and France during WW1, between 1916 and 1918. The Belgian state armoury was forced to move production to factories in Calais, France and Birmingham, England after the evacuation of their Liege factory in 1914.

The wartime M1916 bayonets included a number of variants among which Belgium made no distinction. Blades were either of a flattened cruciform profile or T-back blades salvaged from French M1874 Gras bayonets. The standard blade length was approximately 450mm although many examples were later shortened.

This example is an original, un-shortened model 1916 with matching serial numbers on the bayonet and scabbard.

The 448mm T-section blade was adapted from an earlier French M1874 Gras rifle bayonet. The blade is in excellent condition.

The blued steel crosspiece bears a factory stamp and the serial number 49049. The pommel bears two factory inspection stamps. The crosspiece and pommel retain their original blued finish and the press-stud attachment mechanism is in perfect working order. The hardwood grip scales are in good condition with a great patina and age/use related marks.

The bayonet is complete with its matching numbered steel scabbard. The scabbard was adapted from a French Gras scabbard and a teardrop frog stud was added. The frog stud bears the serial number 49049. The scabbard retains its original blued finish and is in excellent condition. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.

This is an excellent example of a scarce Belgian WW1 M1916 bayonet with matching serial numbers.