This very rare German World War One Ersatz bayonet is an all-steel version of the famous S98/05 saw-back bayonet and is designated by Carter as EB42 (Ersatz Bayonet No.42).
In 1915, the need to supply the large number of newly conscripted troops with bayonets meant that normally non-weapon producing manufacturers and machine shops were pressed into producing “substitute” bayonets. There are many variations. Anthony Carter in the 70’s wrote a seminal work on these fascinating Great War bayonets, assigning each variation an identification number with an EB prefix.
The 360mm single-edged blade has a saw-back with 50 teeth above a long, narrow fuller. The blade terminates in a double-edged spear point. The blade is in good condition with a pale speckled patina. The saw teeth remain very sharp and the blade retains a fighting edge with some small nicks towards the point. The ricasso and spine bear inspection stamps (Fractur).
The cast steel hilt is in very good condition, the steel having a pleasant grey patina and remnants of its original feld grau (field grey) paint. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good working order. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The bayonet is complete with its S98/05 blackened steel scabbard. The scabbard has a couple of tiny dents and has lost its frog stud but is otherwise in excellent condition. The mouth and ball finial of the scabbard bear inspection stamps. The bayonet sheathes and draws correctly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a good example of a very rare German WW1 sawback ersatz bayonet designated by Carter as EB42.
