In good condition, a scarce WW1 German Seitengewhr M1898 Engraved Bayonet of the 160th (9th Rhenish) Infantry.
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Typically feint etching, marked to Alex Coppel (ASC with scales), with matching numbers to cross guard and scabbard; “160 R. 6. 81″ (weapon 81 of the 6th Company of the 160th Infantry Regiment”. This regiment was garrisoned in the cities of Bonn, Dietz and Euskirchen in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, and they saw action throughout World War One.
The period sharpened 9 inch etched flat blade blade is in good condition and firm in the hilt. The hilt is in good shape. The wooden grip scales are good and firm but with some wear. The leather and plated metal fittings scabbard has some age (some cracks to leather, some tiny bubbling to fittings) but is sound. The bayonet sheathes and draws well.
A great bayonet for just £500. Please quote item reference V21. Further / full sized images available upon request. Box 0962-0.82 (0.944).
Further below is a colour photo of the 160th in snow in 1914, at the beginning of World War One. This bayonet was likely there and who knows what happened to the soldier issued with it; they were at Ypres when Germany surrendered and it may well be a capture trophy from that event.
When knowledeable collectors voice opinion, I add it to a listing. Here is one such opinion;
Unit designation with correct description. This however, has a highly unusual blade, which has no doubt been replaced, possibly because the original blade broke. Faults with this long bladed weapon were common, and these were all withdrawn from active service by mid November 1914 – they were then either used by rear area units or brought back to the Depots.
