Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Dutch T-Back Sword bayonet for use with the M1895 Mannlicher Carbine No.3 and No.4. The bayonet is quite long, with a 19 inch T-back blade, intended to increase the effective range of the fixed bayonet on the shorter carbine. It is in very good condition, with an original leather scabbard and belt frog. For more information, please see Watts & White, The Bayonet Book, Page 225 Item No. 501.
The reverse ricasso is stamped with the trademark Alcoso used from 1936-1940. It depicts the scales with the firm’s initials, ACS interspersed. Above is the firm’s name in an arc, ALCOSO, and below the town of business, SOLINGEN, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany. Alcoso is a trade name of Alexander Coppel & Co. KG, Stahlwarenfabrik, located in Solingen, the legendary German “City of Blades.” Per J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the company was a major manufacturer of edged weapons and tools from the end of the 19th century up until the WWII period. Unfortunately, as NSDAP-control increased, brothers Carl Gustav and Dr. Alexander Coppel, the Jewish owners of the firm, were forced out. In 1936 the firm had been “Aryanized”, and started using the name ALCOSO to hide the Jewish family name. By the end of 1936 the brothers were ejected from their Solingen offices, and by 1940 the brand trademark initials ACS were changed to AWS to reflect the change in ownership and name: Alexander Coppel Solingen to Alcoso-Werk Solingen. Carl Gustav Coppel committed suicide in Solingen in 1941, and Dr. Alexander Coppel was arrested in 1942 and sent to Theresienstadt Prison camp, where he died August 5th 1942. The factory itself was destroyed by Allied bombers in November 1944.
There is also a CROWN / B proof mark on the ricasso and pommel, for the inspector that passed it.
The bayonet and scabbard are in good condition, showing light wear and some age-related deterioration. There are unit markings stamped onto the back of the frog, which has become somewhat delicate.
A really nice example, ready to add to your collection!
Specifications:
Blade
Length: 19″
Blade Style: Single Edge T-Back
Overall length: 23 5/8″
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 20″ + Frog