Scarce* WWI German ‘Machine Gunners’ Bayonet and Scabbard. 21133 Bayonets

A Scarce WWI German Machine Gunner's bayonet. Soon after war broke out in 1914 new bayonets were issued, and they became one of the standard bayonets of the First World War There was at least one other bayonet, part of an export order, and subsequently diverted to the German forces. This is the model sometimes referred to as ‘the machine gunners bayonet’, having a one piece grip with nine grooves cut into the front edge. Although it will fit on a ‘98’ rifle, the channel in the mortise that allows for the passage of the cleaning rod is angular and not round. It has a 35cm single-edged blade and is spear tipped (50cm overall), the ricasso is stamped with a maker's mark *see images*, it has a curved quillon, wooden grip, and white metal pommel and measures 50cms overall. The metalwork is good, the blade is very clean. The wooden grips have minor age related marks that can be seen in the images. The steel scabbard has the odd dent use related but nothing major. See pages 115 & 128 No 281 of Watts & White for Similar. The price includes UK delivery. 21133.