*Swedish, c1899-1913, M1896 Knife Bayonet & Scabbard, Made by Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur AB, with Regimental Markings*
Marked on Ricasso: Crown over C
Marked on Obverse: Crown over 893
Marked on Cross Guard: L/116 No7a No346
Marked on Ricasso side of Cross Guard: EJ Crown/Anchor AB
Marked on obverse side of Cross Guard: 993
Marked on Cross Guard Arm: Crown inspection stamp
Marked on Conical Stud: Crown inspection stamp
Marked on Scabbard Throat: 592, EJ Crown/Anchor AB
Marked on Back of Scabbard: L/I 16 No 8a No 115
Marked on Scabbard Ball Finial: 592 with Crown inspection stamp on the obverse
Approximate Measurements: 21cm blade, 33cm overall
This bayonet was designed for use with the 6.5 mm m/1896 Swedish Mauser rifle and was also compatible with the m/1938 Short Rifle and the AG42b Ljungmann self-loading rifle. Production of the m/1896 bayonets was carried out by three manufacturers who made a total of approximately 665,000 bayonets: Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur AB (1899–1912), which produced the first 280,000 bayonets, Carl Gustaf Stad (1913–64), and Erik Anton Berg AB (with production dates unknown).
This example bears marks from two different manufacturers, with the crossguard and scabbard marked “EJ Crown/Anchor AB,” indicating production by Eskilstuna Jernmanufaktur AB, while the blade is marked “Crown over C,” the mark of Carl Gustaf Stad’s rifle factory (based in Karl Gustav). It was common for parts to be interchangeable between different manufacturers, so it is not unusual to find mismatched parts on these bayonets. Both knife bayonet and scabbard belonged to the same regiment: L/I 16 Landstormen, 16th Infantry regiment.
The bayonet features a conical spring catch, and the steel crosspiece retains its original bluing, along with unit markings. The tubular grip is cross-hatched and blued, and the bayonet comes with its original blued steel scabbard.
Regimental Markings:
Between 1885 and 1941, Swedish soldiers were divided into two categories: “Beväringen” and “Landstormen.” Beväringen comprised younger soldiers, while Landstormen consisted of the six to ten oldest age groups. Landstormen primarily served in local defense roles for the Swedish Army. The Halland Regiment, designations I 16, was a Swedish Army infantry regiment that traced its origins back to the 16th century. The regiment’s soldiers were originally recruited from the provinces of Västergötland and Dalsland, but it was later garrisoned in Halland.
Knife Bayonet: L/I 16 No7a No346
Rifle #346 “Landstormen” 7th area, 16th Infantry regiment.
Scabbard: L/I 16 No 8a No 115
Rifle #115 “Landstormen” 8th area, 16th Infantry regiment.
Eskilstuna:
Karl Gustavs Stad and Eskilstuna are historically linked through their shared industrial heritage. Karl Gustavs Stad was established around the iron forges of Reinhold Rademacher in the 1600s, under King Karl X Gustav. The town became a center for metalwork, especially small arms and artillery, due to the high-quality iron forges. In 1879, Karl Gustavs Stad was merged into Eskilstuna.
Eskilstuna Jernmanufaktur AB (Eskilstuna Iron Manufacturing, Inc.), founded in 1868, was one of the key industrial firms contributing to the region’s reputation as a metalworking hub. Specializing in producing iron tools and metal goods, the company was an important part of Eskilstuna’s development into “Stålstaden” (The City of Steel), renowned for steel products such as cutlery, tools, and precision instruments.
The Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (Karl Gustav’s City Rifle Factory), located in Eskilstuna, was another prominent entity, primarily manufacturing firearms, particularly for the Swedish military. Together, these industries solidified Eskilstuna’s reputation as Sweden’s equivalent of Sheffield, known for its superior metal products.
*Condition*
This wonderfully marked piece of Swedish history is in excellent condition: There is some fading of the bluing commensurate with age and service. The blade is very good and the scabbard fits well and has expected wear and tear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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