*WW1, Portuguese M1885 Guedes/Kropatshek Yataghan Bayonet and Metal Scabbard*
This bayonet was initially intended for the M1885 Guedes single-shot rifle. Approximately 18,000 of these rifles were in various stages of production at Steyr when Portugal opted to adopt the M1886 Kropatshek repeating rifle instead. Portugal ultimately purchased the Guedes rifles, with 8,000 of them being completed by Steyr and subsequently sold to the Transvaal and the Orange Free State in South Africa for use in the Anglo Boer War.
The M1886 rifle gets its name from Austrian designer Alfred Ritter von Kropatshek, who created the tubular magazine system for the rifle. Both the rifle and its yataghan sword bayonet were manufactured by Steyr in Austria. According to Steyr’s records, they produced 56,000 M1886 Kropatshek rifles for Portugal between 1886 and 1889, along with an additional 1,000 in 1893-94. It is likely that some of these bayonets were used in Portuguese East Africa during World War I.
The ricasso of the bayonet features a small cross known as the Avis Cross (Cruz de Avis), and the crosspiece is engraved with the serial number DD279. The spine of the bayonet typically bears the engraving of the manufacturer’s name, Steyr, and the production date in cursive script, although this has faded over time. The serial number on the scabbard is nearly illegible but looks like BB143, and the scabbard itself has a black metal frog stud marked “OE” over “WG.” The overall length of the bayonet is 23.5 inches, with a blade length of 18.5 inches.
*Condition*
This is a rare find in excellent shape. The blade is free of rust, pits, and nicks. The grip shows some signs of age-related wear and tear, including minor rusting. The press button functions smoothly, and while the black paint on the metal scabbard has mostly worn off, the scabbard is still in good condition and fits nice and securely. For a detailed assessment of its condition, please refer to the included photographs.
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