This ersatz bayonet was made in Germany in the early years of WW1. The height of ersatz bayonet manufacturing was 1916 as the Imperial German war machine rushed to equip the huge number of new troops. This pattern of ersatz bayonet has been designated under Carter’s classification as EB47.
The un-shortened 316mm single-edged blade has a three-quarter length fuller below a flat spine with a sharpened 80mm upper edge. The blade terminates in a double-edged spear point. The spine bears a German inspection stamp known as a fracture or Waffenampt. The blade is in excellent, near mint condition. Ersatz bayonets are often found with their blades shortened to around 255mm.
The cast steel grip is in good condition and has been re-painted with feld grau paint. The press-stud is in perfect order.
The bayonet is complete with its original steel scabbard which has also been re-painted. The top of the scabbard bears the stamped number 499. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
The condition of this EB47 bayonet is excellent. The re-painted scabbard and hilt add to its appeal as the colour closely matches that of the original wartime German feld grau. Purists wishing to do so can easily remove the paint which would return the bayonet to a steel finish.
