German-modified Austrian Model 1888 bayonet

[Pat]

This is a recent acquisition, and one that compliments a couple of Mannlicher carbines I have. I believe this is a German-modified Model 1888 bayonet in an Austrian frog. The bayonet has the 1888 blade profile, and is stamped with the A-H eagle on one side of the ricasso and the OEWG mark on the other. The spanner screws might be period replacements but I'm not sure. The scabbard is OEWG marked on the frog stud.

The blade was blued at one point and the muzzle ring removed, resulting in a very clean, rounded slope at the peak of where the ring would be, unlike other types of foreign bayonets whose muzzle rings were reduced down to an 'ear' shape.

Pat

 

[Rittmeister]

Very interesting bayonet you got there. Typical german rework with red/brown blueing. Does it exist a complete list over all the bayonets the germans reworked during WW2? Regards Arvid

 

[Pat]

Hi Arvid,
I'm not aware of a comprehensive list of that type, but what we do have are surviving documents that list the modifications mandated by the Wehrmacht. The bayonet types noted are French Lebel, Czech Mauser, Yugoslav Mauser and Dutch Mannlicher. There might be others, but I haven't seen any yet.
Best,
Pat

 

[Rittmeister]

We can add polish mauserbayonets to the list also. The Germans shortened a lot of Norwegian krag bayonets also, but they were never used on the kar98 ofcourse. Collecting German captures and reworks is very interesting. Thanks for showing this Austrian bayonet.

 

[AndyB]

I am personally sceptical about this name as a german conversion, firstly the barell ring is removed more in fighting knife manner, the beech wood is certainly not typical for german reworks, same as the screw are not from S84/98, the scabbard was from a export piece, the frog could be romanian M93, any stamps there on pommel or frog? In WW2 was not used a M88 or M95 in old caliber 8x50R, all the obsolete weapons were sent to Bulgaria.It could be made fighting knife for Bulgaria. b.r.Andy

 

[Slash]

Very interesting bayonet you got there. Typical german rework with red/brown blueing. Does it exist a complete list over all the bayonets the germans reworked during WW2? Regards Arvid

The information below was compiled largely from correspondence with Erik Ettrup along with some additions/revisions by myself and others. Not exactly an answer to the question but thought this might be of interest.

Throughout the war, the German Wehrmacht captured huge amounts of weapons from their enemies. Each item was evaluated and tested by various authorities including Heereswaffenamt entities. After testing, each weapon received a model designation number, which included the first letter of the country of origin (lower case in parenthesis). In some cases these pieces were modified.

On the left is the German designation (Seitengewehr = Knife-bayonet, Bajonett = Spike-bayonet). The "for use with" information refer to the appropriate captured rifle code and are referenced to the Kennblätter Fremden Geräts - Handwaffen. I do not feel the list is complete.


BELGIUM

Seitengewehr 101(b) Ex "Bayonette 1889" - For use with G261(b), Kb451(b) & Kb453(b)
Seitengewehr 102/1(b) Ex "Bayonette M16" - For use with G261(b), G262(b) & G263(b)
Seitengewehr 102/2 - For use with G284(b), Kb451(b) & Kb453(b)
Seitengewehr 103(b) Ex "Bayonette-allonge support pour F.M" - For use with G261(b) & G263(b)
Seitengewehr 104/1(b) Ex "Bayonette M35" - For use with G261(b), G262(b) & G263(b)
Seitengewehr 104/2 - For use with G284(b), Kb451(b) & Kb453(b)
Seitengewehr 105(b) Ex "Bayonette FN M24" - For use with G220(b)


DENMARK

Seitengewehr 146(d) Ex "Kårdebajonet M89" - For use with G311(d) & KB506(d)
Seitengewehr 147(d) Ex "Knivbajonet M23" - For use with G311(d) & KB506(d)


FRANCE

Seitengewehr 101(f) Ex "Bajonnette 1874" - For use with G361(f)
Seitengewehr 102(f) Ex "Epèe-Bajonnette 1886" - For use with G211(f), G301(f), G302(f), G303(f), G304(f), G310(f)
Seitengewehr 103(f) Ex "Epèe-Bajonnette 86/16" - For use with G211(f), G301(f), G302(f), G303(f), G304(f), G310(f)
Seitengewehr 104(f) Ex "Sabre-Bajonnette M92/16" - For use with K552(f), K553(f)


GREECE

Seitengewehr 102(g) Ex "86" (?) - For use with G301(g), G302(g), G305(g)
Seitengewehr 103(g) Ex "86/16" (?) - For use with G301(g), G302(g), G305(g)
Seitengewehr 107(g) Ex "Mannlicher 95" - For use with G306(g), K494(g), K505(g)
Seitengewehr 109(g) Ex "30" (?) - For use with G285(g)
Seitengewehr 117(g) Ex "Mannlicher 95B" - For use with G306(g)
Seitengewehr 118(g) Ex "Mod 1903" - For use with G215(g), K417/2(g)


HOLLAND

Seitengewehr 101(h) Ex "Bajonet 95 a/A" - For use with G211(h)
Seitengewehr 102(h) Ex "Bajonet 95" - For use with G214(h)
Seitengewehr 103(h) Ex "Bajonet,kort" - For use with K401(h), K411(h), K413(h), K414(h)
Seitengewehr 104(h) Ex "Bajonet,lang" - For use with K413(h), K414(h)
Bajonett 110(h) Ex "Bajonet" (?) - For use with K412(h)


ITALY

Seitengewehr 107(i) Ex "Sciabola baionetta" - for use with G306(i), K505(i)
Seitengewehr 132(i) Ex "Baionetta M91" - For use with G210(i), G214(i), K416(i)
Seitengewehr 133(i) Ex "Baionetta M91 TS" - For use with K410(i)
Seitengewehr 150(i) Ex "Baionetta M38" - For use with G209(i), G231(i), K408(i), K430(i)


NORWAY

Seitengewehr 101 Ex "Bajonett M 87" - For use with G351
Seitengewehr 102 Ex "Bajonett Kort" - For use with G211, ZG212, K415
Seitengewehr 103 Ex "Bajonett Lang" - For use with G211, ZG212, K415


POLAND

Seitengewehr 139(p) Ex "Bagnet 28" - For use with G298(p), G299(p), K493(p)


SOVIET UNION

Seitengewehr 102(r) Ex "Ross-Enfield" - For use with G282(r)
Seitengewehr 128(r) Ex "Ross M 10" - For use with G280(r)
Seitengewehr 129(r) Ex "24" - For use with G291/1(r)
Seitengewehr 130(r) Ex "Tessak 36" - For use with SLG257(r)
Seitengewehr 131(r) Ex "Tessak 38" - For use with SLG258(r)
Seitengewehr 138(r) Ex "Tessak 10" - For use with SLG258(r), SLG259(r), SLZFG290(r)
Seitengewehr 139(r) Ex "Tessak 28(p)" - For use with G298(r), G299(r), K493(r)
Seitengewehr 148(r) Ex "M 42" - For use with G252(r), G253(r), G254(r)
Bajonett 140(r) Ex "Schtujk obr 1891" - For use with G252(r), G253(r)
Bajonett 141(r) Ex "Schtujk obr 1891/1930" - For use with G252(r), G253(r), G254(r)


UNITED KINGDOM

Seitengewehr 100(e) Ex "Springfield 300" - For use with G249(e)
Seitengewehr 101(e) Ex "Bayonet No1 Mk1" - For use with G281(e)
Seitengewehr 102(e) Ex "Bayonet No3 Mk1" - For use with G282(e) & G250(e)
Seitengewehr 128(e) Ex "Ross Bayonet" - For use with G280(e)
Seitengewehr 137(e) Ex "Bayonet No4" - For use with G283(e)
Seitengewehr 149(e) Ex "Bayonet No4 MkIII" - For use with G283(e) & G283/2(e)


UNITED STATES

Seitengewehr 100(a) Ex "Bayonet Mod 1905" - For use with G249(a), SLG251(a)
Seitengewehr 102(a) Ex "Bayonet Mod 1917" - For use with G250(a)


YUGOSLAVIA

Seitengewehr 101(j) Ex "74" - For use with G308(j), G361(j)
Seitengewehr 102(j) Ex "86" - For use with G301(j), G302(j), G304(j)
Seitengewehr 103(j) Ex "86/12" - For use with G301(j), G302(j), G304(j)
Seitengewehr 104(j) Ex "92/16" - For use with K502(j), K503(j)
Seitengewehr 106(j) Ex "24 t" - For use with G290(j)
Seitengewehr 107(j) Ex "95" - For use with G294(j), G306(j), K505(j)
Seitengewehr 108(j) Ex "M 1889" - For use with G222(j), G297(j)
Seitengewehr 109(j) Ex "24" - For use with G288(j), G291(j), K491(j)
Seitengewehr 111(j) Ex "M 1910" - For use with G221(j)
Seitengewehr 112(j) Ex "M 80" - For use with G223(j)
Seitengewehr 113(j) Ex "M 93R" - For use with G307(j)
Seitengewehr 132(j) Ex "M 91i" - For use with G214(j)
Seitengewehr 133(j) Ex "M 91i" - For use with K416(i)
Seitengewehr 134(j) Ex "Dolch" - For use with G289(j)

 

[Rittmeister]

Thanks a lot for list Slash! Long way to go before I got all those

 

[Pat]

Nice list Slash, thanks for posting it

To my knowledge, the ones I listed (plus the Polish, as noted by Rittmeister) are the only examples for which specific modification directions existed. I wouldn't be surprised in the least if other Änderungen are noted in some documents that haven't seen the light of day, or haven't been shared yet. There's no doubt in my mind that some bayonets and fighting knives received unofficial and informal modifications by individual soldiers and armorers, but possible candidates need to be approached on a case-by-case basis.

"In WW2 was not used a M88 or M95 in old caliber 8x50R, all the obsolete weapons were sent to Bulgaria."
I strongly disagree, AndyB. I have an HZa marked Model 1890 carbine in original configuration and chambered in 8x50R. While I'm sure it didn't see front line duty in the east, there's no doubt that it went through and was approved for use by a Nazi depot, probably for police or gendarmerie use. There are a number of 8x50R Mannlicher long rifles that were brought back to the US after the war, and are still chambered in 8x50R that never went to Bulgaria.

This isn't the first German conversion I've seen or owned with a removed muzzle ring, contrary either to 'typical' modifications seen on others, or to the expectations of collectors.

 

[AndyB]

There came only 2 possibilities in question Austria or Czechoslovakia as a source of similar items, as in Austria were reworked in early 30ies the caliber to a new 8x56R, only small numbers remained in the origin caliber. The majority of the equipment were send to Bulgaria, some training units could remain with older equipment. In CSR was not reworked to a new caliber, so the bunch of older weapons were captured in march of 1939 bz germans, the majority was used as help to ally as the 8x50R caliber was declared as obsolete,but the possibility of using by police, gendarmery or werkschutz is real, but here are problem the missing marking on hook of scabbard and frog, which are export probably.Anyway with this reworking its already not a bayonet but a Seitenwaffe, as not stabil attachment on rifle could be realised.Grips and screw are not proffesionally done, but it could be replaced later.
i asked in previous about marking on pommel of bayonet and frog, is there anything?. thanks.b.r.Andy

 

[Pat]

Add Italy, Greece and Yugoslavia as a source of 8x50R weapons in original chambering, and it would be closer to what period documents reflect. All three countries had weapons in that caliber, even as late as 1942 for Italy, and 1941 (German invasion) for Greece and Yugoslavia.

In your previous post you stated, "...all the obsolete weapons were sent to Bulgaria" which is what I was contesting. Clearly that's not the case as my own carbine shows, as do others brought back to the US that wouldn't necessarily be represented in European museums/collections, given the deep penetration into the Reich and exposure to second and third line units likely to use these kinds of weapons.

As to your question, nothing on the pommel (blued, so possibly polished in preparation) and an '8' stamped on the frog, nothing else. Later replacement as you suggest is a possibility, but I wouldn't and don't expect 100% consistency or standardization in reworks, given the varying availability of materials and components that armorers would have access to throughout the Reich proper, and in occupied territories. Blued blades and removed/reduced muzzle rings are pretty universally recognized as indicative of German WWII rework. The numbers of surviving bayonets of different origin with removed muzzle rings would seem to argue against them being useless, as they consistently show indications of careful modification and continued use in some capacity. If they were truly useless, I would not expect to see them brought back by returning US service members in the numbers that survive. Just my opinion.

 

[timothy]

George Wheeler in his book Seitengewher 1919 to 1945 on the chapter on foreign bayonets talks about the Austrian 95 I know this one is of the 88 pattern but he describes them in their original bright steel muzzle rings and with the Austrian proofs used in German service he states German produced frogs for them after 1938 takeover he talks of the ones made for the submachine guns as being blued so I guess never say never with the foreign used stuff. It's a nice piece! at any rate. timothy

 

[AndyB]

Sorry when my statements were not allways fully correct, i shoulnt say that all weapons were send to Bulgaria. Yes offource You could be right on Italy, but mostly saled the newer modells M95 to other countries, or send to own colonies, Yugoslavia in 1938-40 reworked to M95M german caliber, and Greece is possible for too some small quantities, but mainly not on the M1888 but on M1895.
Here i see a M1888 of very early production of 1888-90, which could be the scabbard was send to Export, so my opinion is the parts of the piece were stored in Austria or CS, the reworking is easy to explain as german reworking, but the crossguard here is typical for a combat knife production.
This is already not a bayonet as it could be not fixed on a rifle, by germans in majority cases remained a partly barell rings when attached on rifle, and fully remove could be done only on long Mauser 98 slot, as this system needs no barell ring.
I see there on first picture a letters on front part of frog under pommel? maybe i am wrong on this, You have the piece in hand, anyway the frog is not austrian, or czechoslovak, and i personally dont believe its german. As a sidearm of a werkschutz or some other security is this real. b.r.Andy

 

[Pat]

Andy,
Yes, I agree Werkschutz or a similar unit were the recipients of weapons like this. The 'story' is that it was taken from a guard at a POW camp, but that's just a story.

I think what you're referring to on the frog are shapes carved into the frog just behind the pommel. They are not stamped, but incised into the leather at some point in the past. Otherwise, the only markings are the Austrian eagle on one side of the ricasso and 'OEWG' on the other side of the ricasso and on the scabbard frog stud. Austria or CZ make sense as possible locations from which this was taken by the Germans prior to modification. The removal of the muzzle ring definitely compromises a solid purchase on the barrel when attached, but I can mount this bayonet to my Model 1890 carbine with only moderate movement back and forth.