WW1 IMPERIAL GERMAN CRUCIFORM ERSATZ BAYONET & SCABBARD

Scarce First World War Imperial German Army (Bavarian State) Ersatz Cruciform "Lorenz" Blade Bayonet. It is well recognized by collectors that German Ersatz bayonets are amongst the rarest of WW1 German bayonets. Of these rarities, the socket blade, and especially the cruciform blade, tops the list. These types of bayonets are also referred to as "Ersoc" (ersatz socket) or "Epee Ersatz". The term "ersatz" means substitute or replacement. There is a popular theory that these types of bayonets were the result or war material shortages near the end of the WW1. However, the fact that most of these bayonets were made in 1915-16 supports the idea of a rapid arming of a quickly growing German army. This particular bayonet is made from the blade of an Austrian Model 1854 "Lorenz" socket bayonet to fit the Gewehr 98 rifle. Pattern socket bayonet and a pressed steel handle which resembles the traditional Imperial German grip and pommel.

The mortise has a "T" "O" slot which allows it to fit the 1888 & 1898 Commission Gewehr rifles. The coiled spring press stud functions well. Most of these types of bayonets do not come with scabbards as they were made of sheet metal and therefore very fragile. This bayonet comes with the matching scabbard and is still solid and complete.

Characteristics of this particular Ersoc are. Austrian Lorenz cruciform blade with acceptance stamp bearing. Denoting King Ludwig of Bavaria (1913-18) (left side of blade). Open "high ears" muzzle ring. Clearing hole placed well forward on the grip near hilt. Of the face of the hilt. This very scarce bayonet would make a very nice addition to any collector's gallery. Muzzle Ring Diameter: 16.5 mm.

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The item "WW1 IMPERIAL GERMAN CRUCIFORM ERSATZ BAYONET & SCABBARD" is in sale since Tuesday, July 14, 2015. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\WW I (1914-18)\Original Period Items\France". The seller is "tanzer28" and is located in Windsor, Ontario. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Time Period, War: 1914-1918, WWI