![]() I am glad the information was useful, I am sure Jon feels the same way, - he is a tremendous resource, on Mauser in particular, but his knowledge and experience covers much more also. I have a 1916 Bayonet with metal sheath with WFM name on it in small letters. I am sure the figure could be a bit higher as the Bayonet data for 1914-15 is not clear. 1,105,900 Bayonets were made by /for Mauser during WWI. Paul, checked in my Mauser records and can say that app. ** Update, Jon Speed was able to determine approximately how many bayonets were made: Here are some pictures of the actual contract between the two firms, with the signatures of Mauser directors Schmid and Doll. I have seen many cut down bayonets that have signs of Turkish service, and it is likely many ended up there. How many bayonets were actually delivered is unknown, or Jon Speed did not say(**), but I suspect many were sent to Turkey, and that probably explains why the Mauser made bayonets are less common than you would expect. The bayonets can also be found with Mauser Oberndorf made scabbards, which are a little less common and in my experience command a small premium over unmarked scabbards. Sawback blades are only known dated 19, my research shows 1917 sawbacks more common than 1916 dated. Known bayonets cover the range 1915-1918, the 1915 dated probably the most difficult to find, probably because production did not begin before July 1915, and 1917-1918 dated the most common date encountered. Many have been recorded and several studies list it in the “common” category of the manufacturers, however my own research suggests they are one of the “less common” amongst the commonly encountered makers. The contract also allows for a cancellation if the government doesn’t authorize the expenditure.Īlthough Mauser contracted for such a large number of bayonets, a million and half or more, the bayonets are not especially common, - though not scarce either. Elektrotechnishe Fabrik Eisenwerk” at Feuerbach ( northwestern suburb of Stuttgart) for the manufacture of 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 bayonets between July 1915 and July 1920, these bayonets were to be made at Mauser’s expense, who would cover operating costs and 1 Mark per bayonet. During April 1915 Mauser Oberndorf contracted with “ Unionwerk Mea G.m.b.H. Jon Speed recently provided the documents from his archives that show the relationship in detail. Today, Jon Speed tells us the rest of the story! Some years ago Jon Speed revealed the facts behind the production of the bayonets, in his Collector Grade book titled “Mauser: Original Oberndorf Sporting Rifles” page 50 however he left out much of the details of the relationship. Mauser Oberndorf is a well-known manufacturer of the German “butcher” bayonet, which resembles a butchers knife, but few realize that Mauser Oberndorf was not the actual manufacturer of the bayonets.
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