Original Item: Only One Available. This particular fine quality etched bladed bayonet was intended to actually fit onto the Mauser 1871 Rifle which is unusual as many were never machined to fit and also lacked the catch assembly. This design is based on Hirschfänger (Deer Catcher) long hunting daggers in use in the German area for centuries. It has an overall length of 24 ¼” with a 19 ¼” long blade.
This is complete however it has seen better days and the original bright Nickel finish has worn and oxidized to be very dull. The blade is marked on the ricasso with the double trademark “King’s Helmet” (Ritter-helm) alongside a “Kings’s Head” (königskopf) logo of legendary German maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of W.K & C.. This trademark is used on privately purchased blades in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and is absolutely correct for this bayonet. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.
The etching on the blade is still very evident and features Stands of Arms and Hunting scenes. The checkered hard leather black grip is damaged on the front left side only, with about 1/4″ missing to the front.
A rare bayonet from 1871 but regrettably it has seen better days.