A Quick Classification of Mauser Bayonets

ByRuben
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There have been a large number of different Mauser firearms produced during the company’s nearly-150-year-long history. The company itself is nearly as old as Imperial Germany, arising just a few years after the unification of the German states in 1871. There have been a large number of different Mauser firearms produced during the company’s nearly-150-year-long history. The company itself is nearly as old as Imperial Germany, arising just a few years after the unification of the German states in 1871. 

Even if it weren’t for the fact that Mauser rifles like the infamous K98 have devoted, loyal followings and have been lauded as some of the best rifles with the most durable actions ever produced, there’d be a lot of historical information to pick through – especially if you’re looking for a Mauser bayonet. Let this guide serve as a starting point. 

Mauser bayonets of Imperial Germany through the First World War
During Imperial Germany’s expansion and rise to prominence as a Great Power, many bayonets were designed for Mauser rifles, including the following: 

  • The M1871 Sword Bayonet was designed to be compatible with the 11mm M1871 Mauser Rifle. (It was also compatible with the Gewehr 1888, which fired the 8mm (7.92x57mm) Mauser cartridge, but was not built by Mauser itself).
  • The M1871/M1884 Sword Bayonet was compatible with the Mauser M1871/84 rifles. 
  • The M1898 a/A Sword Bayonet is perhaps one of the most famous Mauser bayonets of all. It was developed for the Mauser Gewehr 98 and carried widely by Imperial German Troops through the First World War. 
  • The M1884/98 was a knife bayonet that was also designed to be compatible with the Mauser Gewehr 98. 
  • The M1898/05/a/A was another, large knife bayonet that was designed for the infamous Mauser Gewehr 98. 
  • The M1884/98 II was also a large knife bayonet that was produced for the Mauser Gewehr 98. 

In addition to these “purpose-built” Mauser bayonets, there were also a number of so-called “ersatz” bayonets carried by Imperial German Troops and their Central Power allies during the First World War. Ersatz bayonets were considered a “substitute” for the real thing, in some way either not fitting or inferior. Nonetheless, several of these ersatz bayonets could be found among Imperial German Troops in World War I.

  • The Carter EB9 was a Turkish ersatz Mauser bayonet with a muzzle ring that allowed it to be mounted to the Mauser Gewehr 98.
  • In addition to the above ersatz bayonet, several other Turkish models shared compatibility with the Gewehr 98, as well as a Belgian model, referred to as the M1882 Garde Civique.

Mauser bayonets through Weimar Germany the Second World War
There were still many Mauser bayonets carried after the collapse of Imperial Germany following the First World War.

  • The M1898/05 was a sword bayonet that was compatible with the infamous Gewehr 98 as well as the Kar 98a and 98k carbines. 
  • The M1884/98 III was compatible with the Kar 98k carbine carried during the Second World War. 
  • In addition to the above German bayonets, a Czechoslovakian bayonet known as the VZ-24 was compatible with the Kar 98k.

Visit Sarco Inc. for More Information
To learn more about any of these unique Mauser bayonets or to find something that fits your Mauser rifle, visit Sarco Inc. at SarcoInc.com. 

Their collection of parts and accessories for Mauser rifles will not be matched, nor will their subject matter expertise. If you have any questions about the above Mauser bayonets or about your particular rifle, get in touch with them directly or pay them a visit in person. 

You can easily reach them by phone at 610-250-3960 if you have any questions or comments, and you can visit them at their location in Easton, Pennsylvania at 50 Hilton Street if you’d like to learn more about their available historical arms and components. 

For more information about Ar 15 Parts and Pistol Accessories Please visit: Sarco, Inc.