SCARCE POLISH BAYONET MADE BY PERKUN WARSAW FOR THE K98 MAUSER RIFLE.
HISTORY
Poland has regained independence in 1918 and soon was confronted by great military challenge – Polish-Russian War in 1920, which turned out to be a great Polish victory and stopped export of the revolution. In these years Polish forces were equipped in variety of weapons of Prussian, Austro-Hungarian and Russian origin. Polish government bought huge quantities of weapons in France.
The first Polish design was Mauser bayonet model 22. It was designed in such a way, that allowed use of big quantities of Manlicher 95 scabbards, that were available. This bayonets had been produced in Cracow and marked “Zbr 4” (Arsenal No 4).
In later years there were two main developments – model 24 and 28. Generally they were similar to each other, differing in minor details and presence of barrel ring in model 1928. Some were equipped in fireguard over the grips, some were not. All were produce either in Warsaw in “Perkun” factory or in Radom in a military factory.
One distinctive model of Polish Mauser bayonet was produced in year 1939, just before WWII commenced. Itt is called “mobilization bayonet” – it was model wz. 29 but with “1939” stamped on the ricasso instead of “WP”, sharpened blade and blued or parkerized finish of the whole bayonet.
Polish collectors will of course ban me for such short description – they try to collect samples with differens small numbers marking steel samples in Radom bayonets, different series on “Perkuns”.
Lot of Polish bayonets were later used by Germans (during WW2), Russians, in Spain and in Yugoslavia.
ITEM DESCRIPTION
This bayonet is for the Mauser K98 and Polish carbine WZ24 produced by metal works “Perkun” in Warsaw. It differed from later models with lack of barrel ring.
Bayonet with a single-edged blade, with a two-sided grove. Ended with a spear point. Handle with two profiled wooden grips, fastened to the shaft of the handle with two screws.
Steel catch with spiral spring, does not press. Steel scabbard finished with a round knob. The scabbard clip is soldered with an oval washer. Scabbard’s mouthpiece with two flat springs, mounted on with two rivets.
Marking on the ricasso of the blade, embossed name of the manufacturer factory PERKUN located in Warsaw. Next to it is an elliptical military inspection mark (D). Other side of the ricasso of the blade is marked with visible letters (W.P) (Wojsko Polskie – Polish Army) and the national emblem, a crowned eagle. The cross guard shows the serial number 51253.
bayonet scabbard shows minor visible traces of the original bluing. The frog that came with this bayonet is leather and bears the maker marks for a South African maker and was originally intended to fit the P08 bayonet for the 303 rifle, how it ended up on this bayonet remains a mystery as the bayonet came from Europe, anyhow that's how I got it and it will be sold as I received it. Maybe there is a Free Polish Army/ commonwealthe Army story behind it.
These bayonets are scarce and the first one that I have had in a long time.
Bayonet, condition as shown in the photos with visible signs of corrosion. Untouched piece as found. 100% original.