Original Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce original German WWI Carter Type EB2 Ersatz bayonet and fighting knife combination, complete with its correct steel scabbard. We encounter standard German Ersatz bayonets with some regularity, but this compact trench knife style variation is considerably more difficult to find. This is only the second Type EB2 we have had the opportunity to offer at IMA. The collector designation comes from J. Anthony Carter’s classification system for German Ersatz bayonets, developed to organize the many wartime variations produced by different manufacturers.

This example measures approximately:

9 3/4” overall

with a compact:

5 1/4” blade

The blade is single edged with a drop point style false edge along the upper portion, giving the weapon the proportions of a fighting knife while retaining the distinctive steel hilt construction associated with German Ersatz bayonets.

This pattern is identified by collectors as:

Carter Type EB2

Carter’s classification system became an important reference for collectors because German Ersatz bayonets were produced in a remarkable variety of forms during WWI.

The term Ersatz translates broadly as “substitute” or “replacement.”

When the enormous expansion of the German Army created shortages of conventional service bayonets, simplified patterns were produced using pressed, rolled, cast, or welded steel components that could be manufactured rapidly and with fewer machining operations.

Most Ersatz bayonets remained full size military bayonets.

The EB2 is unusual because of its extremely short blade and compact proportions, giving it the character of both a bayonet and trench fighting knife.

The type is illustrated in J. Anthony Carter’s reference work on German bayonets and is one of the more distinctive short blade Ersatz patterns.

EB2 examples have been associated with several German edged weapon manufacturers, including:

Gottlieb Hammesfahr & Co.
F. W. Hörster & Co.
Robert Klaas & Co.
Franz Koller & Co.

This particular example does not retain a recognizable manufacturer’s trademark.

The ricasso is marked only:

3

The significance of this numeral has not been established.

The steel hilt remains in surprisingly attractive condition and retains a substantial amount of its original:

Feldgrau paint

The surviving paint is particularly desirable because the finish on these utilitarian wartime weapons was frequently worn away through service and later storage.

The blade itself shows much heavier use.

There is extensive old oxidation and deep pitting across much of the surface.

The blade also appears somewhat worn down from its original profile, although the exact amount of material loss cannot be determined.

Its heavily oxidized appearance could be consistent with prolonged exposure to damp or outdoor conditions, but there is no provenance establishing that the knife was actually recovered from a battlefield.

The condition gives it a very strong, untouched Great War appearance.

The knife is accompanied by the correct pattern:

rolled steel scabbard

The scabbard retains approximately:

55% original black paint

with the remainder showing expected wear, oxidation, and exposed metal.

Remnants of the original leather belt hanger are still present.

The securing strap is also retained.

However, the receiving portion of the snap fastener is now missing, so the strap can no longer be secured in its original manner.

The survival of the correct scabbard is particularly important with an EB2, as these short scabbards are considerably easier to lose or separate from the knife than those used with full size service bayonets.

Ersatz bayonets are among the most fascinating examples of German wartime expediency during WWI.

The demands of mass mobilization forced German industry to supplement traditional forged bayonets with simplified designs that could be made faster and more economically.

The result was an extraordinary variety of patterns, many differing in blade profile, muzzle ring configuration, grip form, pommel design, and manufacturing technique.

The short EB2 stands apart from most of them because it approaches the proportions and handling qualities of a purpose built trench knife.

Close quarters combat in trenches, dugouts, and fortified positions created a strong demand for compact edged weapons.

Soldiers often favored short knives because they were easier to draw and maneuver in confined spaces than a full length bayonet.

Whether officially conceived specifically for trench fighting or simply produced as an unusually compact Ersatz bayonet, the EB2 has understandably become one of the most sought after variants among collectors of German WWI bayonets and fighting knives.

With its original steel hilt, surviving Feldgrau paint, 5 1/4” blade, simple ricasso “3” marking, correct rolled steel scabbard, approximately 55% original scabbard paint, and remnants of the leather belt hanger, this is a highly appealing surviving example of a very difficult Carter type. The extensive blade pitting, oxidation, possible blade wear, incomplete leather hanger, and missing snap receiver are fully disclosed.

For the advanced collector, the EB2 represents one of the most unusual intersections between the German Ersatz bayonet program and the compact fighting knives associated with trench warfare. This would make an excellent addition to a German WWI Ersatz bayonet, trench knife, fighting knife, Carter type, or advanced Great War edged weapons collection.

Specifications:

Blade Length: 5 1/4”
Blade Style: Single Edged Knife with Drop Point False Edge
Overall Length: 9 3/4“
Crossguard: 2”
Scabbard Length: 6 ¼”