Overview
This is a scarce Argentine Contract Mauser M-1891 Bayonet constructed with Aluminum grip panels. Bayonet and scabbard are marked with matching serial number A5429 with RA stamped on both, for República Argentina. The almost 16" blade is in excellent condition, . "MODELO ARGENTINO 1891 A5429" on one side of the blade and "WEYERSBERG, KIRSCHBAUM & CO, SOLINGEN" on the other side. The aluminum grip scales were part of an effort to lighten the bayonet. The grip metal is an alloy of aluminum, with 6 percent copper. Argentina opted for the 15.75 inch blade, after seeing that Chile was going to adopt a shorter (10-inch blade) bayonet for their Mausers. However, the prototype bayonets turned out heavier than the Argentine's liked, so they made a number of design changes (thinner blade, slimmer hilt, and others). They went ahead with the brass grip scales, initially, so as not to further delay production. Brass-gripped bayonets were made 1892–93. Production switched to aluminum grip, mid-1893, after producing 40,000 brass grip bayonets. 190,000 aluminum grip bayonets were made, 1893–1898. Has some scratches and a couple dings, otherwise excellent condition for its age. The scabbard has a black leather frog.