Original Danish Krag–Jørgensen M1889 Knife Bayonet for Gevær M/89 Rifle by Alexander Coppel with Scabbard – dated 1891 Original Items

Original Item. Only One available. This is quite rare, and is a very nice example of a Danish Model 1889 Bayonet, intended for use on the Krag–Jørgensen Gevær M/1889 Rifle. This is the original Model 1889 bayonet version, with a checkered leather grip. This was later improved in 1893 with a new version having a wood grips secured by brass rivets. Many were retrofitted, so finding a bayonet with intact leather grips is quite rare.

The bayonet is 13 3/4 inches overall, with a 9 inch long single edged fullered blade. The design is somewhat interesting, with a a triangular lever on the pommel of the bayonet moving the bayonet lock.

The blade ricasso of this example is maker marked ALEX. COPPEL / SOLINGEN, around the trademark “Scales” logo, indicating manufacture by Alexander Coppel & Co. located in the legendary “City of Blades”, Solingen. This company made large amounts of export bayonets during the 19th century, and also manufactured bayonets for many years and up through WWII under the name Alcoso. Sadly, as the Coppel family was Jewish, they saw their company stolen from them and “Aryanized” during WWII by the NSDAP. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS. Later examples were made domestically so this is a very early example.

The pommel is marked 57095 on one side, probably the serial number of the rifle it was issued with, and 45B. 716. is on the other side, most likely the unit it was issued to. There is also another older crossed out unit marking, and a crown proof on the “crossguard” over 91, for issue in 1891.

The bayonet and matching scabbard are in very good used condition, without any major issues or defects. The blade is nice, with light sharpening and no major nicks or dents, and the grips are nicely broken in, still showing intact checkering. The scabbard is still fitted leather, and locks correctly onto the minimal crossguard. The metalwork overall is still a nice bright steel, with minimal oxidation.

A very nice example of a rare bayonet, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 9″
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Fuller
Overall length: 13 3/4“
Crossguard: 1 1/8”
Scabbard Length: 9 3/4″