Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. After the defeat of Germany in WWII, there was a flood of surplus weapons available on the market, both publicly and through other channels. In 1947 and 1948, Israel clandestinely procured captured Second World War German weapons, including Kar 98k rifles and M1884/98 III bayonets. Not entirely happy with the design of the bayonets, the German bayonets were refit with sturdier crossguards with heavy muzzle rings.
However, the number of rifles imported exceeded the number of bayonets, so Israel commenced manufacture of bayonets in 1949 to supplement the German M1884/98 III, VZ–24, and FN M1924 bayonets which they had obtained to equip their fledgling Army. Although a sturdy and serviceable bayonet, the fit and finish is crude compared to the German bayonet from which it was copied. Please see Watts & White The Bayonet Book page 187, item 422 for more information.
The ricasso and scabbard are marked in Hebrew, which translates to:
Bayonet Mk. 1A
Manufacturer
101.1949
The bayonet and scabbard are also marked with the Star of David and the Hebrew letter Tsadi, which was used as a government property mark. There are additional markings on the bayonet and scabbard, which have unknown meanings.
Condition is good but definitely does show wear. The blade however was never sharpened, so most it possibly never saw actual use in the field. Like with the German bayonets that were copied, it was intended for the soldier to sharpen the knife bayonet as needed.
Increasingly hard to find and ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 10"
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 15 1/4“
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 10 3/4"
- This product is available for international shipping.
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