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1896 dated Krag bayonet


kilgarvan
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Condition is everything. If the grips have been replaced, not worth the $175. If everthing is in excellent conditon, then $175 isn't unreasonable. Check the scabbard out, these are usually the weak point. Does the belt attachment have limit movement (should move only 45 degrees left or right of straight up); is the blue on the scabbard in good shape; are there any dents or bends; does the bayonet slide in and out freely? The blade should be bright with no staining or rust, no nicks on the edge, unsharpened (or very lightly sharpened), the wood grips should be clean and no wear. The guard, tang and pommel may show more wear than the blade, as the bayonet would have been carried more than used. Also make sure it has the 1896 date; early bayonets are more sought after than later ones.

As an aside, it's hard to imagine an 1896 dated blade that wasn't used fairly hard. If in very good condition and as described above, it is probably a reasonable deal. You can get them for $125-$135 in reasonably good shape off ebay, but than pay $15 shipping. Also, as mentioned, the scabbards I've seen on ebay tend to be in only fair shape, often with dents and the finishing at less than 40%.

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