This rare ersatz bayonet was made in Germany in the early years of WW1. The height of ersatz bayonet manufacturing was 1916 as the Imperial German war machine rushed to equip the huge number of new troops. This pattern of ersatz bayonet has been designated under Carter’s classification as EB49.
The 315mm single-edged blade has a flat spine with a false upper edge and three-quarter length single fuller. The blade terminates in a spear point. The ricasso is stamped with an inspection or makers mark and the spine bears a German inspection stamp known as a fracture or Waffenampt. The blade is in very good condition with minimal age and use related marks.
The ribbed, cast steel grip is in very good condition. The broad cross-piece is stamped “3965.” And the front of the cross-piece bears three stamps, C, P and the numeral 2. The press-stud is in perfect working order.
The bayonet is complete with its original steel scabbard which has been re-painted in its original black colour. The scabbard is in good condition with age and use related marks and minor dings. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is one of the rarer ersatz bayonets and is in great condition.
