*Swedish, Pre-WWI, M1896 Knife Bayonet and Scabbard, By Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur AB (EJAB), Regimental Markings*
Original Swedish Model 1896 knife bayonet, complete with its correct steel scabbard, both manufactured by Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur AB of Eskilstuna. The bayonet has a straight, single-edged blade with long central fuller, steel crossguard with muzzle ring, and a conical spring-catch locking mechanism. The grip is of the correct wooden core, tightly wrapped in black cord, terminating in a steel pommel with locking button.
The blade ricasso is crisply marked with the EJ crowned anchor AB trademark, beneath which is the factory serial number 522, repeated beneath the crossguard, confirming a matching and original hilted example. The crossguard also carries Swedish military issue markings “3/I.2” and “No 342”.
The accompanying scabbard is of the correct tapered steel form with long fuller and rounded ball finial. The throat bears the crowned anchor AB mark of Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur AB, with the serial number 930, which is repeated on the finial. The scabbard body is stamped “3/I.8”, and “No 223”, with crown inspection marks present.
The markings on both bayonet and scabbard are consistent with Swedish military issue practice:
- Factory serial number (bayonet): 522 — applied by the manufacturer and repeated beneath the crossguard.
- Bayonet issue markings: 3/I.2 — 3rd Company Infantry Regiment No.2 (Infanteriregemente I 2 - Göta Livgarde))
- Bayonet inventory number: No 342
- Scabbard unit marking: 3/I.8 3rd Company, Infantry Regiment No. 8 (Infanteriregemente I 8 - Uppland Regiment).
- Scabbard inventory number: No 223.
- Factory serial number (scabbard): 930 — non-matching to the bayonet serial, as commonly encountered.
The difference in serial numbers between bayonet and scabbard is entirely normal for Swedish service equipment and reflects long-term issue, reissue, and armoury management.
Approx. Measurements - Blade length: 21 cm. Overall length: 33 cm
Historical Note:
The Model 1896 bayonet was adopted alongside the 6.5×55mm Swedish Mauser m/1896 rifle and remained in front-line and reserve service well into the mid-20th century. It was later used with the m/1938 short rifle and the AG m/42B Ljungman self-loading rifle, demonstrating the durability and longevity of Swedish edged-weapon patterns. According to Scandinavian bayonet researcher Per Holmback, M1896 bayonets were produced by three principal manufacturers: Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur AB (1899–1912), Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (from 1913) and Erik Anton Berg AB (dates uncertain). Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur AB produced the first approximately 280,000 examples, with total production across all manufacturers estimated at around 665,000 bayonets.
The bayonet is marked to Company 3, Infantry Regiment No. 2 (I.2), historically known as Göta Livgarde, one of Sweden’s senior line infantry regiments and part of the country’s core mobilisation and home-defence forces. Göta Livgarde was placed on active readiness during the 1905 Norway crisis, when Swedish units were fully equipped and prepared for possible conflict following the dissolution of the Swedish–Norwegian union. During the First World War, although Sweden remained neutral, the regiment undertook extended periods of mobilisation, internal security, and national defence duties.
The scabbard is marked to Company 3, Infantry Regiment No. 8 (I.8), the Uppland Regiment, recruited from the Uppland region north of Stockholm. This regiment played a key role in territorial defence and was likewise mobilised during the 1905 crisis and throughout the 1914–1918 neutrality period, carrying out guard duties, infrastructure protection, and readiness exercises.
The differing regimental markings reflect normal Swedish service practice, with bayonets and scabbards frequently reissued between units during their long service lives.
*Condition*
The blade remains bright with light service wear and minor age staining, retaining crisp edges to the fuller and clear markings. The grip cord is original, intact, and tightly wrapped. The locking mechanism is complete and functional. The scabbard shows honest service wear, surface oxidation, and handling marks consistent with military use, but remains structurally sound with all markings legible. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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