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, in order to supply the large number of conscripted troops with bayonets for their issued Gewehr 88 rifles, all manner of 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 362mm single-edged blade has a saw-back with 50 teeth above a long, narrow fuller. The blade terminates in a spear point. The blade is in very good condition and is bright and rust free. The saw teeth remain very sharp and the blade retains its factory edge. The ricasso bears an inspection stamp (Fractur). There is no maker’s mark or name. Ersatz bayonets were not identified with a particular maker, the exception being EB1, the famous DEMAG crank handle bayonet.
The cast steel hilt is in very good condition, the steel having a pleasant grey patina. The press-stud locking mechanism is in good working order. The blade is firm in the hilt.
The bayonet is complete with its original (and rare) ersatz scabbard. The scabbard is a steel copy of the first pattern steel mounted leather S98/05 scabbard. The scabbard has a couple of minor dents but is otherwise in excellent condition and has been re-painted. The bayonet sheathes and draws correctly and is held firmly within the scabbard. Included with the scabbard is the black leather frog which is in great condition, the rivets and stitching are intact and tight. The scabbard has a faint stamp on the back but I cannot make it out.
This is an excellent example of a very rare German WW1 ersatz bayonet designated by Carter as EB42.
