M1895 "Navy" Bayonet
To be mounted on the M1895 Mannlicher Rifle
Above: The newer version (since 1902) M1895
"Navy" bayonet with removable grips.
Below: The early model M1895 "Navy" bayonet with early model
"stitched" scabbard.
(Erwin Muetstege collection)
The M95 rifle was also issued to the Royal Dutch Navy in 1897 for their Marines. The associated bayonet was in principle equal to the model of the Royal Dutch Army; the only difference was that from 1902 the Navy model received a grip which was secured with a screw and a oval metal plate instead of rivets. The reason behind this was that by doing so the grips could be removed in order to check the bayonet for rust (oxidation) and to clean it. The first model M1895 "Navy" bayonet is almost identical to the early M1895 "Rifle" bayonet, the only way to keep them apart is their serial number. A Navy version only has a serial number and no serial-letter(s), the Rifle version always has a serial number followed by one (or two) serial letter(s).
Dutch M.95 Navy rifle (collection Dutch Army Museum)
Unlike the Royal Army the Royal Navy kept the hooked quillon. Also the scabbards were slightly different to the scabbards used by the Royal Army; the integrated leather frog was slightly longer and the securing leather strap was placed lower more to the mouth of the throat of the scabbard, instead of copper wire the ferule was secured with pecked (oiled) wiring. As it was common for leather items used in the Royal Navy, the frogs were issued with a brass plate with the ship number engraved in it.
Left: Later model with oval
plate and
screw
Right: First model with rivets.
Both have the typical Navy four digit serial number without a serial-letter.
The M1895 "Navy" bayonets were not produced in large numbers and are considered scarce by collectors.
Dimensions
Overall Length: 480 mm
Blade Length: 360 mm
Muzzle Ring Diameter: 14,5 mm
M1895 "Navy" Bayonet Collection:
Click on Bayonets to see its Gallery
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