Swedish, Model 1896 Knife Bayonet by Carl Gustafs Stads, with Erik Anton Berg Scabbard & NCO Belt Frog

*Swedish, Model 1896 Knife Bayonet by Carl Gustafs Stads, with Erik Anton Berg Scabbard & NCO Belt Frog*

A correct Swedish Model 1896 knife bayonet, manufactured by Carl Gustafs Stads (C.G.), complete with its original steel scabbard by Erik Anton Berg AB (EAB), Eskilstuna, and an associated Swedish NCO leather belt carrier.

The bayonet features the characteristic single-fullered blade with spear point, fitted with a blued steel crossguard and muzzle ring, and a blackened steel pommel with conical spring catch – the later and most commonly encountered locking system for the pattern. The grip is of the correct knurled steel type, showing expected service wear and patination.

The steel scabbard is of standard Swedish pattern, finished in blued steel and fitted with a round frog stud. It is marked ECM with a crown to the chape, identifying manufacture by Erik Anton Berg AB, one of Sweden’s premier edged-weapon producers.

The bayonet is accompanied by a Swedish NCO issue belt frog, constructed of dark brown leather and clearly stamped with the Three Crowns national property mark. This frog corresponds to Carter classification no. 400 and represents the higher-quality carrier issued to non-commissioned officers.

Markings:
- Bayonet Ricasso: Crown over “C”
- Bayonet Obverse blade: Crown over “860”
- Bayonet Crossguard underside: Crown over “C”
- Bayonet Crossguard obverse: “054”
- Bayonet Quillon: Crown
- Scabbard: Marked ECM with crown (Erik Anton Berg AB)

Approx. Measurements - Blade length: 20.5 cm. Overall length: 32.6 cm

Historical Note:
The Swedish m/1896 knife bayonet was introduced alongside the 6.5×55 mm m/1896 Mauser rifle and remained in service for decades, reflecting Sweden’s conservative and high-quality approach to military equipment. Production of the m/1896 bayonet was undertaken by three principal manufacturers, as documented by Scandinavian bayonet researcher Per Holmback: Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur AB (1899–1912), Carl Gustafs Stads (from 1913) and  Erik Anton Berg AB (dates uncertain). Eskilstuna Jernmanufactur produced the first approximately 280,000 examples, with total production across all makers estimated at around 665,000 bayonets.

Although originally intended for the m/1896 long rifle, the bayonet also remained compatible with later Swedish service arms, including the m/1938 short rifle and the AG42b Ljungmann self-loading rifle, ensuring continued frontline and reserve use well into the mid-20th century.

*Condition*
The bayonet retains a bright blade with visible factory grinding marks and scattered staining consistent with service use. No active corrosion noted. The hilt and crossguard show even patination, with the locking mechanism functioning correctly. The scabbard displays original finish with service wear, surface marks, and age patina, remaining structurally sound. The leather NCO frog is supple, complete, and well-preserved, with clear crown stamping and no significant damage or losses. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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