Mannlicher bayonet, model 1888, Bulgarian (c 1890)

Title	Mannlicher bayonet, model 1888
Nationality	Bulgarian
Period	c 1890

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This is an Austrian Steyr-made bayonet for the model 1888 Mannlicher rifle, of which the Bulgarian government bought around 100,000 examples in the 1890s. These would almost certainly have seen service in the last of the Balkan wars of the early 20th century and quite possibly in WW1.

The blade (9.75" long) is marked 'OE // WG' for Oesterreichische Waffen Geselschaft, a company which still functions in Austria making sporting rifles.

The grips are fruitwood, one side with a minor split; the frog would appear to be a rudimentary example, perhaps wartime issue, where the leather on the reverse has rotted; the blade has much of its factory polish, but the scabbard and hilt mounts have a polished grey patina throughout with some remaining surface rust at the top of the scabbard just under the leather of the frog.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.

[Edged Weapons : Bayonets : Bulgarian : 19th Century]

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