I need help to ID a Mauser Bayonet

[Aragorn243]

Found this at a flea market yesterday. I could not take photos and I did not make the purchase as I could not ID it.

It appears to be a mauser bayonet with a large ring set close to the blade. Blade is just under 12 inches. Does not match any bayonet in my books although I have not checked all.

Blade is unmarked and fullered. Two small marks on top of wood hand guards, a "y" and an "A". Only mark on metal is a small 2 inside a diamond on the rear side of the cross guard.

I'm guessing it is a bayonet for the 88 commission rifle or something similar. I suspect the markings on the wood are not going to be helpful but the 2 inside the diamond may be a makers mark of some sort.

The blade is well made and appears to be new which is setting off red flags. The wood is near new. It has round flat fasteners which have the two small holes to allow for tightening and removal which are similar to Czech design. Wood is also near new. Pommel shows light rust which would easily clean up.

Final thoughts are a Czech replacement or contract blade for the 88 German commission rifle. Price was $80 which seemed good unless it is a late production, post war, decorative blade of some sort. Scabbard is also very plain, looks Czech and also looks brand new. cosmoline filled which has protected the blade.

Base of crossguard is short and rounded and is the only area which does not seem "finished" Could have been shortened.

Information

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[gew8805]

Without photos it is impossible to ID, but I can guarantee it won't fit the Gew88.

[Aragorn243]

Using Kiiesling I have narrowed it down to another possibility Belgium converted 1889 with enlarged muzzle ring, everything pretty much fits. Weapon and nationality of use, unknown.

[UNPROFOR1994]

Maybe this one? http://www.bayonetsonline.com/images/bayonet5-32a.jpg

There is one for sale on Bayonet Trader for $225 under Venezuela.

DESCRIPTION: Venezuelan 1900 Bayonet. Belgian made by FN (Fabrique Nationale) for export to Venezuela, similar to the Belgian 1889 bayonet but has a 17.5mm muzzle ring. The only marking is a 'N' in a circle or '2' in a diamond just below the muzzle ring. Excellent wood grips held by two spanner nuts. Excellent fullered blade with no sharpening with original cosmoline on blade. Excellent black painted metal scabbard. This piece is in excellent, unissued condition.

These were originally made with a hooked quillion, (later removed) to fit the German Model 1871/84 Mauser Rifle. Apparently they will also fit the Kommisionsgewehr Model 1888.

[Aragorn243]

Probably it with the removed quillion. I suspect it will fit the 88 commission.

[gew8805]

IF the bayonet is this one, then yes, it will fit the 88, it was designed for the 71/84 rifles that Venezuela used and the bayonets that were used with the German Gew71 and Gew71/84 also fit the Gew88.

These were commonly available as surplus from Venezuela 20 or so years ago and sold for $45 each if in unissued condition, with or without quillon. If used they still cost the high price of $35. Of course, in those days, you could could also buy a sawback Sg98/05 for under $50...... Prices have gone up.

[Aragorn243]

Checked the website and the 2 in the diamond is where the N in the circle is in the photo. Most likely the removed quillion type in unissued condition. Hour and a half drive away to get it, probably not going to make a special effort for it. Do get down that way periodically. If it's there next time, I'll buy it. Thanks for the help all.

[UNPROFOR1994]

If it's there next time, I'll buy it.

I hope you can still get it and post some pictures.

[Aragorn243]

Went to a gun show about halfway to the antique shop and decided to make the trip. Three weeks later and it was still there.

Fits the GEW 88 like a glove. Will take some photos shortly and post them. Most likely the Venezuelan variation.

[Aragorn243]

Here it is, pretty much as described. No marks other than the 2 in the diamond and the A and Y on the wood. Fits perfectly on the GEW 88.