Original Set of Two Argentine Mauser M1891 Bayonets by WKC - One Aluminum & One Brass Grip
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Original Items: Only One Set of Two Available. Here we have a very nice set of two scarce Argentine Contract Mauser M-1891 Bayonets, one with the early brass grips and another with the later aluminum alloy grips. Twenty five years ago these were fairly common, however they have become more scarce as the surplus stocks dried up. Both are in very good condition, complete with their original serial number matched steel scabbards. Both are also still in the correct longer configuration, and have not been cut down.
They are both marked on the reverse ricasso with the German Bayonet maker's name:
WEYERSBERG
KIRSCHBAUM & CO
SOLINGEN
This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany - a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ''Kings head'' as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today. It was heavily involved with exporting edged weapons to South American countries in the late 19th and early 20th century.
Both bayonets are correctly marked MODELO ARGENTINO 1891, and while the brass grip bayonet has had the marking partially ground, the aluminum grip bayonet still has the ARGENTINE CREST fully intact on the ricasso of the blade! These were ordered removed or defaced by Argentine Government order before Export so consequently those with crests are particularly RARE.
The brass gripped example also has RA is stamped on the pommel, for República Argentina. For more information please WATTS & WHITE, THE BAYONET BOOK Page 2 Item 1.
A great set of Argentine M1891 bayonets, showing the two main varieties produced, still in their original long configuration. Ready to add to your collection!
History of the M1891 Argentine Mauser Bayonet:
Argentina opted for the 15.75 inch blade, after seeing that Chile was going to adopt a shorter (10-inch blade) bayonet for their Mausers. However, the prototype bayonets turned out heavier than the Argentines liked, so they made a number of design changes (thinner blade, slimmer hilt, and others). The aluminum grip scales were part of an effort to lighten the bayonet. The grip metal is an alloy of aluminum, with 6 percent copper.
They went ahead with the brass grip scales, initially, so as not to further delay production. Brass-gripped bayonets were made 1892–93. Production switched to aluminum grip, mid-1893, after producing 40,000 brass grip bayonets. 190,000 aluminum grip bayonets were made, 1893–1898.
Specifications:
Blade Length: 15 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edged Sword with Fuller
Overall length: 20 1/2“
Crossguard: 3 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 16 3/8"
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