US Model 1892 Krag Bayonet

Although the Krag Rifle is a Norwegian design, the bayonet for it is copied from the Swiss Pattern 1889 bayonet. I guess our own American arms developers weren’t too happy all the way around. At least the grips are American Walnut.

The base of the blade is marked “US” on one side and bears the date of manufacture – in this case 1899 - on the other side. This bayonet is the second variation. Earlier blades were blued and later the grips were left in the rough to provide a non-slip surface.

The Model 1899 scabbard was designed to fit over the web Mills ammo belt. The wire bale at the front of the metal attaching arm pulls apart so it can slip in between the belt’s cartridge loops. The scabbard swivels 50 degrees to either side of center to aid in drawing the blade from the scabbard. Earlier versions were able to swing 360 degrees, but it was found that those early versions were prone to fray the webbing, work loose from the belt, and snag on stuff.