Italian Vetterli and Portuguese Kropatshek Bayonets

[Aragorn243]

Been after this pair for a couple of weeks. They were sitting in an antique shop with no price.

Got the pair for $150 after they were finally able to track down the owner which is a pretty decent deal.

[browningautorifle]

Italian Vetterli and Portuguese Kropatshek Bayonets

I had a Kropatschek bayonet for years as about the first of my collectables. Bought it when they were worth exactly nothing and no one could tell you what it was. There was no internet to research on either. Now you can't find them.

As for the full length Italian Vetterli, that's probably the first example I've seen uncut. Always cut down and quillon cut with short leather scabbard. Nice piece...nice catch.

[oldfoneguy]

I have a Kropatschek bayonet that I've had for 50 years since I was 13. I got it at a yard sale for $5. It's in excellent condition with scabbard but I had no idea what it was. Imagine my delight when I bought my M1886 Kropatschek short rifle 10 years later and already had the bayonet for it.

[browningautorifle]

I bought my M1886 Kropatschek short rifle 10 years later and already had the bayonet for it.

And do they ever look cool...!

[Aragorn243]

It's always a plus to have the bayonet before you get the rifle.

[oldfoneguy]

And do they ever look cool...!

Side mounted no less. I didn't know that and always wondered about sighting with the tab at the top of the ring.

[browningautorifle]

a plus to have the bayonet before you get the rifle.

I've bought a rifle because the bayonet came to me first.

Side mounted no less.

I'll bet you even came up to the on guard position to have a look...

[oldfoneguy]

I'll bet you even came up to the on guard position to have a look...

What 13-17 year old wouldn't have?

[browningautorifle]

What 13-17 year old wouldn't have?

Done that...wishing the bayonet gallows was close by.

[Low & Slow]

I wound up getting two of the darn things. Forgot I already had one. At least the price was right.