Matching Numbers* Argentine ‘Modelo Argentino 1891 Bayonet and Scabbard. Sn 7989. Bayonets

This bayonet was designed to fit the Modelo Argentino 1891 Mauser Infantry Rifle, manufactured in Germany under contract. Most of these bayonets if not all were manufactured by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum, and Cie as this one is. They are extremely well made and this one is in very good to excellent condition. It is with its aluminium hilt, although some are found with brass hilts (* indicating "Navy" usage) steel crossguard, and hooked "blade-breaker" quillon. The latching mechanism is of the push-button/internal-spring type. The blades are straight, single-edged, and fullered on both sides. The blade is stamped on the ricasso with Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie / Solingen on one side, while on the other is the Argentine Crest (this is usually ground off when released from the arsenal as surplus wares as this one is) and Modelo Argentino 1891 including H 9375 which is slightly worn. The scabbard is sheet-rolled steel, ball finial, and dark "blued" finish (almost black) with matching H9375. Both bayonet and scabbard are stamped with a serial number, beginning with an alpha-character prefix, followed by a 4-digit number. It is desired by collectors that both bayonet and scabbard numbers match; otherwise they are considered mis-matched. The alpha-character indicates the ten-thousand unit, presumed in order from A to Z. The alpha-character A represents the first ten-thousand, so all serial numbers beginning with A are from the first 10,000 of a production order. This would be followed by a B, then C and so on and so forth through the alphabet. In very nice condition with the desired matching numbers. The price includes UK delivery. Sn 7989.