{"product_id":"original-german-wwi-steel-hilt-ersatz-bayonet-fighting-knife-combination-with-5-1-4-blade-scabbard-carter-type-eb2","title":"Original German WWI Steel Hilt Ersatz Bayonet Fighting Knife Combination with 5 1\/4” Blade \u0026 Scabbard - Carter Type EB2","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an exceptionally scarce original \u003cstrong\u003eGerman WWI Carter Type EB2 Ersatz bayonet and fighting knife combination\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example measures approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e9 3\/4” overall\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith a compact:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5 1\/4” blade\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pattern is identified by collectors as:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarter Type EB2\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarter’s classification system became an important reference for collectors because German Ersatz bayonets were produced in a remarkable variety of forms during WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe term \u003cem\u003eErsatz\u003c\/em\u003e translates broadly as “substitute” or “replacement.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost Ersatz bayonets remained full size military bayonets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe EB2 is unusual because of its extremely short blade and compact proportions, giving it the character of both a bayonet and trench fighting knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe type is illustrated in J. Anthony Carter’s reference work on German bayonets and is one of the more distinctive short blade Ersatz patterns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEB2 examples have been associated with several German edged weapon manufacturers, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGottlieb Hammesfahr \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eF. W. Hörster \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRobert Klaas \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFranz Koller \u0026amp; Co.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular example does not retain a recognizable manufacturer’s trademark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ricasso is marked only:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe significance of this numeral has not been established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe steel hilt remains in surprisingly attractive condition and retains a substantial amount of its original:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeldgrau paint\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe surviving paint is particularly desirable because the finish on these utilitarian wartime weapons was frequently worn away through service and later storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade itself shows much heavier use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is extensive old oxidation and deep pitting across much of the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe blade also appears somewhat worn down from its original profile, although the exact amount of material loss cannot be determined.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe condition gives it a very strong, untouched Great War appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe knife is accompanied by the correct pattern:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003erolled steel scabbard\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe scabbard retains approximately:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e55% original black paint\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ewith the remainder showing expected wear, oxidation, and exposed metal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemnants of the original leather belt hanger are still present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe securing strap is also retained.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, the receiving portion of the snap fastener is now missing, so the strap can no longer be secured in its original manner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eErsatz bayonets are among the most fascinating examples of German wartime expediency during WWI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe demands of mass mobilization forced German industry to supplement traditional forged bayonets with simplified designs that could be made faster and more economically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe result was an extraordinary variety of patterns, many differing in blade profile, muzzle ring configuration, grip form, pommel design, and manufacturing technique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe short EB2 stands apart from most of them because it approaches the proportions and handling qualities of a purpose built trench knife.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClose quarters combat in trenches, dugouts, and fortified positions created a strong demand for compact edged weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSoldiers often favored short knives because they were easier to draw and maneuver in confined spaces than a full length bayonet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its \u003cstrong\u003eoriginal 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\u003c\/strong\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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 \u003cstrong\u003eGerman WWI Ersatz bayonet, trench knife, fighting knife, Carter type, or advanced Great War edged weapons collection\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecifications:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlade Length: 5 1\/4”\u003cbr\u003eBlade Style: Single Edged Knife with Drop Point False Edge\u003cbr\u003eOverall Length: 9 3\/4“\u003cbr\u003eCrossguard: 2”\u003cbr\u003eScabbard Length: 6 ¼”\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44850756812869,"sku":"ONJR26MAA074","price":350.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONJR26MAA074__01.jpg?v=1775502645","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwi-steel-hilt-ersatz-bayonet-fighting-knife-combination-with-5-1-4-blade-scabbard-carter-type-eb2","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}