Siam/Austria-Hungary, c1890, Type 33 (M1888) Mannlicher Knife Bayonet & Scabbard

*Siam/Austria-Hungary, c1890, Type 33 (M1888) Mannlicher Knife Bayonet & Scabbard*

Marked on the cross-guard: 5736 H
Marked on Scabbard: Lion

Approximate Measurements:
24.5cm blade, 37.3cm overall

The Type 33 (1890) Knife Bayonet was designed for the 8 mm M1888 Mannlicher rifles that Siam (now Thailand) acquired from Austria. According to sales records from Steyr, Siam received approximately 15,000 M1888 rifles, primarily during the 1890s. Some of these may have been previously used, sourced from surplus Austrian military stocks.

Initially called “Mannlicher Long Rifles,” they were reclassified as Type 33 in 1913, when Siam adopted the Buddhist calendar. In this system, the year 2433 corresponds to 1890, hence the name.

The M1888 rifles and their Type 33 bayonets were mainly used during the period of Siam’s modernization under King Rama V, as part of his broader efforts to modernize the military. Given the limited numbers imported, the Type 33 bayonet is relatively scarce in today’s collector market, making it a sought-after piece of Siamese military history.

*Condition*
Very good used condition. Some pitting to pommel, cross-guard and forte but otherwise clean blade. Wooden grips are in good condition with marks commensurate with age and a good patina. The scabbard is in good condition with some discolouration, it fits snugly. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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