Description
Physical description
CONTROL.
Pommel form: kidney-shaped, reminiscent of the British Pattern 1888 but more bulbous, its sides flaring out, than the pommel for WEA 380. A very broad and deep T-shaped attachment slot is cut in the underside. Projecting from the left underside is a small vertically aligned press stud, operating the locking catch via an internal coiled spring. Back of pommel has a longer groove than that for WEA 380. A section of the left side of the back is cut-away to allow movement of catch. Pommel meets grips vertically.
Grips form: slender two-piece wood, retained by two large rivets with flush-ground washers. The rivets are grouped nearer the crossguard than pommel. Both underside and back are well rounded.
Crossguard form: broad round ended lower guard extends 16 mm below blade edge. Waisted upper guard formed into full muzzle ring.
Blade form: narrow, double-edged, tapering very slightly towards spear point, prominent medial rib.
Bayonet finish: all metal parts blued.
History note
Indisputably a cavalry pattern Model 1895 knife bayonet there is, however, some question as to its particular "type". Carter and Walter (p 82) describe "those of early manufacture" as possessing "the press-stud under the pommel". In contrast Watts and White (p 219) describe a weapon with the vertical locking catch as "The final variation of the cavalry bayonet". The absence of the quillon-like stacking hook from the crossguard suggests a weapon of "later" production. Again it is possible that WEA 381 is a converted weapon having had its stacking hook removed and lower guard reformed
History note
References: Watts, J & White, P, 1975, (The) Bayonet Book, Watts and White, pp 219 and 226 (ref 508); Carter, A & Walter, J 1974 (The) Bayonet Arms and Armour, London pp 82-84 (ref 186, line drawing of bayonet with stacking hook and conventionally positioned press stud)
Mark stamped on pommel (end, above attachment slot)
crown
Mark stemped on tang (centre of back)
X
Serial number stamped on crossguard
9695 N
Mark stamped on blade (right ricasso)
crowned B
Maker's name stamped on blade (left ricasso)
HEMBRUG