Sword bayonet for the 6.5 mm M1904 Mauser-Vergueiro rifle, manufactured by Simson & Co. of Suhl. The ricasso is crisply stamped SIMSON & CO / SUHL, with serial B 5269 stamped to the pommel. The bayonet retains its correct straight, fullered blade and the distinctive short hilt profile unique to the M1904 pattern.
The scabbard is the correct steel example, here showing later service bluing, fitted with an olive-drab Pattern 1937 web frog.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 28 cm. Overall length: 40.4 cm.
Historical Note: The Portuguese M1904 Mauser-Vergueiro was adopted in the mid-1900s, with rifle manufacture believed to have taken place circa 1904–1907, largely associated with DWM contracts. Bayonet production was contracted separately, with Simson & Co. supplying the M1904 pattern.
Unlike the later M1908 and subsequent Mauser bayonets, the M1904 bayonet has a noticeably shorter hilt and will only mount the M1904 Mauser rifles. It was also retained in service with the later 8 mm M1904/39 short-rifle conversions. Total production is generally estimated at around 75,000 bayonets, although no surviving factory records are known. Portuguese financial difficulties curtailed further manufacture.
Internationally, the M1904 system saw wider distribution: Brazil acquired approximately 5,000 M1904 rifles in 7 mm for Federal District police use (with yataghan-form bayonets), and in 1915 South Africa obtained around 20,000 rifles and bayonets from Portuguese stocks in Mozambique.
The original factory finish for M1904 bayonets was in the white. Many examples, including this one, were later blued during arsenal rework, accounting for the mixed bright and blued appearance commonly encountered today.
This Pattern 1937 web bayonet frog represents a hybrid form between the No. 5 and No. 6 P1937 frogs. It retains the twin 1.25 in. (32 mm) wide scabbard loops characteristic of the No. 5 pattern, but omits both the hilt retaining strap and the eyelet normally associated with other classified variants. This configuration is therefore considered a transitional Pattern 1937 frog.
*Condition* Bayonet with honest service wear throughout. Very good blade shows light age staining and polishing marks consistent with use and later rework; fullers remain well-defined. Hilt with expected wear to the steel and grip scales, screws present and secure. Serial number to pommel clear. Scabbard retains a significant amount of later blued finish with areas of loss and patina; frog complete with wear commensurate with age. Overall a sound, original example with strong character. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
*In order to complete the online purchase we will require a picture/scan of a photo ID (Driving Licence, Passport or an official document with a recent picture). If you don't posses any such document please call to buy. If we consider that the proof of ID is incorect or insuficient, we reserve the right to cancel the transaction.
*We also reserve the right to cancel the transaction with a full refund if there is any suspicion that the provided item will be used in any way contrary to the laws and legislation of UK.
