Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. An ersatz good is a substitute good, especially one that is considered inferior to the good it replaces. It has particular connotations of wartime usage. In the opening months of World War I, replacement troops for battle-depleted German infantry units were drawn from lesser-trained Ersatz Corps, which were less effective than the troops they replaced. The Allied naval blockade of Germany limited maritime commerce with Germany, forcing Germany and Austria-Hungary to develop substitutes for products such as chemical compounds, provisions and even weapons such as this bayonet. More than 11,000 ersatz products were sold in Germany during the war. Patents for ersatz products were granted for 6000 varieties of beer, wine and lemonade; 1000 kinds of soup cubes; 837 types of sausage and 511 assortments of coffee.
The bayonet itself does appear to be Austro-Hungarian in appearance, very similar to the “Sergeant” model or ersatz bayonets. We have not encountered this variation before making this an excellent research opportunity. The hilt is very crude in design but still would have gotten the job done when needed. The handle is hollow, rolled steel and shows the bayonet release button and spring, still functional. It measures approximately 14” in total length and offered in wonderful condition. The black painted steel scabbard does appear to be original to the bayonet and is offered in similar wonderful condition without any extensive damage and much of the original paint retained.
Comes more than ready for further research and display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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