Model 88/98 Bayonet
(Seitengewehr 88/98)
So to start, let us ask about the elephant in the room:
Was the Ersatz used as a last ditch bayonet?
No it was not. It is indeed from WW1 and it is very much German. But, it was NOT EVER a "last ditch" item, as many people/vendors like to tell as it was the case in WW2. That's usually done to jack up prices and rip off people that have vague knowledge of "WW2 last ditch" items. For WW1 it was quite the contrary, these were made for approximately half a year, from late 1914 to mid 1915 in the hundreds of thousands with a wide range of variety.
Correctly, these are called "Aushilfs-seitengewehr 88/98" ("Auxiliary sidearm") nowadays, but in period German documents they simply were named "Seitengewehr 88/98", not "Ersatz" ("replacement"). These bayonets were produced to help fill a (temporary) gap in production when the German Armee was expanding rapidly in size and the pre-war standard equipment production couldn't keep up with wartime demands. In the case of bayonets, the famous blade makers in Solingen and Suhl still needed time to convert their production lines to the 98/05 pattern for the Gewehr 98. The blade blanks were produced and then sent out to lots of small, local metalworking shops all over Germany that had access to basic machinery where a handle was attached to the blades. The crossguard was designed in such a way, that the bayonet can be mounted on both the older Gewehr 88 and the newer Gewehr 98, hence there's a huge variation pool with different handle/crossguard combinations. There are ~60 versions with this blank style of blade/metal grip combination. All "Aushilfs-seitengewehr" patterns in total are 150+ variations. Due to the makeshift nature, the only acceptance stamp was a single one on either the blade spine or side near the crossguard that deemed the blade blank "fit for service".
But why the name "Ersatz" in english? Let us start with the definition of Ersatz, 'Ersatz' is a replacement product, used in the absence of the product normally used, a substitute product and of lower value.
German with a P08 Holster and a 'EB47' Bayonet.
German with a 'EB4' Bayonet mounted on a Gew98
Germany knew that the conflict would last and would therefore be economically difficult, moreover it anticipated a maritime blockade of the English and French which could cause a shortage of raw materials essential for the German industry and economy. The Germans primary objective in regards to production of bayonets in quantity, quickly and at a low cost, with armament being a priority. The private industry would quickly become associated with the production of military equipment.
The first step was to use/transform all obsolete bayonets, foreign bayonets of catch or bought from merchants. Then after that, they began production of bayonets of simplified manufacture. Taking advantage of the techniques used in the private industry, suitable for the manufacture of weapons, the ersatz bayonets, often made of steel, later with brass handle, are manufactured by molding, stamping, stapling and other techniques unusual for the armaments industry of the time.
These bayonets were manufactured according to a fairly simple specification, adapted to the specificity of the designated company, which can explain the variations encountered in particular on the dimensions and shapes of the handles of the ersatz bayonets. They were then checked and approved and present as such one or more punches in particular on the back of the blade and on the cruise, sometimes at the heel of the blade.
Once made and approved, they were sent out to be distributed.
They were given to the newly raised and trained troops that were in so-called "Ersatz-Bataillone" of a regiment ("Replacement/Substitute Battalions") and were transferred from the "Ersatz" unit to the active regiment after their training. They took the issued bayonet with them into the field. So the army needed replacement in manpower, but this bayonet pattern wasn't about to "replace" the previous standard one! That's a false conclusion.
The german army officially used the following patterns:
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The very long and thin S98 from the beginning of the war to December 1914. Although you still see them in use until mid-1915 when they were finally replaced.
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The "Seitengewehr 88/98" from December 1914- mid 1915 as a makeshift stop gap bayonet, because the industry was converting to the more sturdy and robust S98/05 (Butcher Blade) pattern by mid 1915 to the end of WW1 for infantrie.
Please note, the "older" bayonet types weren't actively withdrawn from rear line service.
So this has been a monumental undertaking for me. That said, I have been blessed to have access to a number of reference books and the research of Anthony Carter. That said, I will be including prices I have observed on ebay under the heading of SOLD. Not ebay kool aid prices.
'EB#' IS A COLLECTOR'S DESIGNATION TERM.
EB#3-13
This style is considered the most widely produced family of Ersatz Bayonet during the great war. It combines a steel hilt made of sheet metal that was held together by rivets. They primarily came with a muzzle ring that fits the Gew98 and earlier standard rifles. There were two types in this family for the muzzle ring. Additionally, the EB 3 thru 8 had 2 piece cross guards while the EB 9 thru 13 had one piece guards. Additionally it had a single edge blade as well that varied in length between 298mm (11.73in) to 318mm (12.52in).
They tended to come with different types of scabbards, something I will expand on in a later article. Many of the scabbards seem to be painted grey, black, feldgrau, or meadow green (uncommon). Meanwhile the metal grip seems to be when painted meadow green (uncommon) or feldgrau. There are many examples with bare metal. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that there are ample possibilities of other color pallets, just less common.
Many of these would end up in the hands of Germany's ally, the Ottoman Empire. After the great war they continued seeing use by the Turks, and received various modifications. Modifications included shortening the bayonets and scabbards, removing or adding barrel rings, and replacing the scabbard 'hook' with a 'knob'.
The approximate value for a unmodified one seems to range between $90 - $150, depending.
ERSATZ BAYONET #9
This is a very common bayonet even by the standards of the EB3-13 family standards. It must had been produced in great numbers by Germany during the conflict. The main difference between the EB bayonet iteration versus EB3 - 8 was the fact it's crossguard with its double diameter ring was cast in one piece and then secured to the hilt.
They were issued with various scabbard variations.
Due to how common these bayonets are. The price value of them ranges between $85-$165 on average.
ERSATZ BAYONET #28
ERSATZ BAYONET 98/05
EB#41 - 46
You may have noticed that I have created a 'sub section' for this particular family of Ersatz Bayonet. They are a very close cousin to the 'Butcher' Bayonet 98/05. Thus, I will refer to them as the 'EB 98/05' in terms of a generalization of the family as a whole.
The EB 98/05 family initially was a very well made variant of ersatz bayonets, they resemble the standard M98/05 Bayonet with striking differences. The well-finished cast steel hilts were unique to the Ersatz family as a whole for having 9 diagonal grooves on each side of the grip. There were two visibly domed rivets attached while some versions had two additional ground down rivets near the pommel. Meanwhile the crossgaurd only added to it's uniqueness for having the quillon tilted forward instead of backwards like the standard 98/05. It also came with a muzzle ring that was compatiable for both the Gew98 and the Gew88. There are several examples noted to have feldgrau paint on the grips.
They were made with and without the sawbacks. The ones with the sawbacks were issued to the Pioneers specifically while the non-sawbacks were issued to the Artillery and Infantry. At the start, the quality of the blades were exceptional quality for being apart of the Ersatz family in a broader sense. However, as the war progressed, the quality of the EB 98/05 family declined a great deal. The blades became more crude as the war progressed that it eventually got to the point where no two were the same. Although it should be noted that the sawback variants seem to have kept a higher quality, and was discontinued by 1917.
The scabbards typically, not always, had a silver top mount similar to the early leather scabbards while the remaining body was made of a zinc sheet metal body connected at the back that comes to a round ferrule at the tip. Although I personally have came across many ferrules broken off. The made body of the scabbard was typically painted a semi-gloss black to give off an appearance of leather so the allies wouldn't suspect that there was a leather shortage at the emergence of this bayonet.
ERSATZ BAYONET #44
So this is a pioneer variant of the EB 98/05, it seems to be well made. It has two of the domed rivets just behind the cross guard, and two ground down rivets next to the press stud. This one is only marked with a proof mark on the ricasso of the blade. This one comes with the 'standard' scabbard found for this model early on in the war.
The fair market value of this variation is between $400 - $550.
ERSATZ BAYONET #47
A fairly common bayonet to find in collectors markets. The hilt is made of a 2 piece pressed steel that is held together by rivets. It has a 'ring' on the cross guard that was applicable to both the Gew98 and Gew88.
It has a relative that is made the same way but without the ring defined as 'EB48'.
Many of these have been found modified by the turks which indicates the Kaiser had many of these sent to his Turkish allies.
The fair market value for a none turk modified one is between $100 - $165 (depending on condition)
Turk modified ones are typically between $65-$85 in value due to them being modified.
ERSATZ BAYONET #49
ERSATZ BAYONET #50
ERSATZ BAYONET #55
Versuchsseitengewhr 15
Known as the Versuchsseitengewhr 15 (TYII), it was a experimental bayonet that is arguably considered a 'ersatz' bayonet. It was most likely one of the earliest members of the 'ersatz' bayonet family and could easily be considered among one of the more elegant ersatz bayonets. It is very well made for being an ersatz bayonet inspired by 'service' bayonets.
It was considered a experimental bayonet as described in Anthony Carter's Bayonet Book Vol. III where it talks about how a former Unteroffizier and his detachment were issued these bayonets with varying blade lengths. They were issued on a trial basis and if successful, they would of been accepted and issued to cavalry troops. If it had been accepted, it would of been a cheaper alternative for the other patterns used.
This particular type is characterized by its casted one piece steel hilt with a back sweeping quillon. It has a wood grip insert with 9 grooves. The tang of the blade is held in place by two rivets. There is no muzzle ring which indicates this piece was intended for the Gew98.
The blades of the Ty II were typically at the length of 316mm (12.4in) while the Ty I was shorter at 216mm (12.2in).
It should be noted that these are very rare due to so few being made during the war.
Estimated fair market value for these is between $675 - $825.
This example has a 310mm single edge blade with rounded fullers. Complete with a type V scabbard.
ERSATZ BAYONET #56
This is a rare bayonet. It seems to have a thick steel hilt that has 5 deep diagonal grooves that was machined onto each side, in the opposite direction to other German Bayonets. The blades have no fuller and the acceptance stamps seem to be on the sides. Due to there being no muzzle ring, it was more intended for Gew98 and Kar98A.
It seems like very few were produced at all, and the vast majority seem to have ties to Wurttemberg in particular. According to the book, they have been noted with markings that is inclusive to the 1st Machine Gun Training Company of the XIII Wurttemberg Army Corps based in Stuttgart. It is a strong likely hood that this bayonet was produced and used by troops of Wurttemberg.
Estimated fair market value for these is between $450 - $585.
US Dough Boy with this uniquely rare bayonet.
ERSATZ SOCKET BAYONETS
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