Former Bayonet

RobT · 12th March 2018, 12:43 AM

Hi All,

Because of the reptile skin and basket weave on the hilt and sheath, I assumed the civilian mounts were made in Africa. Given the the design of the sheath throat, I assumed that the piece came from a Spanish colony. Internet research revealed that the blade was from a German model 1871 bayonet made by W. R. Kirschbaum in Solingen. The internet also showed that the stamp on the other side of the blade (an "RA" inside a circle) meant that the blade was property of the Argentinean military. This appears to make the possibility of any African involvement unlikely. I have read that the Gauchos commonly carried a long knife/short sword on their saddles. Could this be an example? If it is, the condition of the sheath and the hilt is miraculous. The blade is also in superb condition.

Sincerely,
RobT

12th March 2018, 12:43 AM	#1
RobT Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 452	Former Bayonet Hi All, Because of the reptile skin and basket weave on the hilt and sheath, I assumed the civilian mounts were made in Africa. Given the the design of the sheath throat, I assumed that the piece came from a Spanish colony. Internet research revealed that the blade was from a German model 1871 bayonet made by W. R. Kirschbaum in Solingen. The internet also showed that the stamp on the other side of the blade (an "RA" inside a circle) meant that the blade was property of the Argentinean military. This appears to make the possibility of any African involvement unlikely. I have read that the Gauchos commonly carried a long knife/short sword on their saddles. Could this be an example? If it is, the condition of the sheath and the hilt is miraculous. The blade is also in superb condition. Sincerely, RobT Attached Images