Original Item: Only One Available. Commonly referred to as a “walking out” Bayonet, this edged weapon was never designed to actually fit on any rifle even the Mauser 1871 model after which it is named.
This is a lovely Dress or Parade Bayonet, worn only on ceremonial occasions and when going on leave. These have higher quality finish than the issue M-71 Bayonet, with a lovely etched blade showing “Stands of Arms” and foliage etc. The grip looks to be a solid piece of composite material or ebony wood. Its cross guard is nickel-plated steel, and for all intents and purposes looks like its “Combat Cousin”. However, even though it has a catch spring it has not been machined to fit on any rifle and there is no catch assembly whatsoever. It is really a Parade Sidearm made to look like a bayonet.
The blade’s ricasso is stamped with the double trademark “King’s Head” alongside a “Knights’s Head” logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of W.K & C. This trademark is used on private purchase blades and walking-out bayonets during the WWI period and prior, so it is absolutely correct for this bayonet. There is also a bit of the original red felt blade washer still present.
It comes in good quality nickel-plated steel mounted leather scabbard and is a fine example with probably 125 years of age to it. The throat of the scabbard has regimental markings inscribed in script writing: W. Wittenburg / Y. B. No 9 1. C. We have not been able to identify this unit, making this an excellent research opportunity.
Overall an very good condition high quality Parade Bayonet from a legendary German sword maker, based in Solingen, the “City of Blades” in Western Germany. Ready to display!