Thursday, May 6, 2010

Treasure Chest Thursday - WWI German Bayonet

This turned up a while back in one of the boxes of my grandparent's things.




The manufacturer was Simson & Co SUHL. A quick Google search revealed that it is a German bayonet.  The Allies referred to it as a "Butcher Blade" due to it's shape.  A pretty nasty looking weapon if you ask me. This particular one is a "sawback bayonet" characterized by the 29 teeth on the backside of the blade.  It was designed to be more of a tool than a weapon. 

Grandpa's diary and letters home referred to him wanting to find a German helmut and bring it home. In one of his last letters home, he mentioned that whenever he found one, they would have to move out before he could get it mailed.  He also mentioned that he was shipping home a box of stuff for himself and a friend.  I'm guessing this was one of the treasures in that box.

You can read more about this particular bayonet here if you are interested.

© 2010, copyright Michelle Goodrum

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