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I discovered I have a gun made for bicycle troops. The Dutch issued it. Mine was made in 1918. The tell tale sign is the wood cover on the trigger housing. I have a Dutch 95 bayonet that does not fit. It must take it's own.??? here are pictures of the carbine. Gary
Haven't seen one of those since the 1980's. Rough bore example at that, but it was a nifty little rifle.
Short rifles (carbines) are definitely interesting. Especially the national characteristics of theirusage: the German short carbine was the (Czech) Mauser 33/40 "Gebirgsjäger" ("mountain huntsman"). The British equivalent was the Enfield "Jungle" carbine. The historical origin seems to be the cavalry carbine which originated from the cavalry pistol attached to a wooden stock.
The museum I volunteer at has the exact same rifle just made in 1917 and it has a sling it really is a interesting little critter
The M1895 No. 3 & No. 4 Carbine bayonet is much longer than the M1895 infantry bayonet and has the pommel rotated 90 degrees. I believe that the pommel was rotated in order to prevent the press stud from digging into the cyclist's back when riding. Both the M1895 Infantry and M1895 No. 3 & No. 4 Carbine bayonets are pictured on the Netherlands page of my site.
Thank you, now I know what to look for... Gary