The DIY thread

[Betonov]

Originally Posted by Stealhead

I can say with 100% certainty that that is an early Mauser pattern bayonet the exact type though hard to say in that condition. It may be a Spanish Mauser as well darn near the same except for different markings.

I also showed it to a collector and he also said a Mauser design, to quote him

An abused and over sharpened Yugoslav Mauser bayonet

The ''abusive sharpening'' also explains why the blade narrows (Mauser is same width down the length) and why the groove extends to the tip (A good Mausers stops 5cm before the tip)

Originally Posted by Stealhead

In this case due to contion the scabbard will be the best indicator doubt that you can make out any markings on the blade itself.

There isn't even a trace of markings left. The bayonet had to be lying in the ground for a decade or two.

Originally Posted by Stealhead

I'd use just two screws as all the old Mauser pattern used two but up to you I recon.

I'm thinking of soaking 4 iron pushpins in salt water for a month and then just pushing them into the handle to make it look like a worn out rivet