Portuguese model 1886 sword bayonet for the Kropatschek Rifle made by Steyr, Austria.
The 469mm blade has a flat spine above a deep three-quarter length fuller and narrows to a 125mm upper false edge. The single-edged blade terminates in a spear point and is in very good condition. The ricasso is stamped with the Steyr logo.
The polished steel muzzle ring and crosspiece are in good condition and the crosspiece bears a worn numeral. The front of the crosspiece is stamped with the number 7. The steel pommel is in good condition and the press-stud attachment mechanism is on perfect working order. The wooden grip scales are chipped and worn and are held in place by two rivets.
The bayonet is complete with its blued steel scabbard. The scabbard is in good condition and retains its blued finish. Scabbard frog stud is marked “OE” over “WG” for the Steyr factory and the throat of the scabbard bears the number 11544, which will be the serial number of the Kropatschek rifle that it was originally issued with. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of an uncommon sword bayonet.
