Add a Comment

Comment by Lars Ray 1 hour ago

Oh, good eye there Kevin...I did not understand what those letters were.

So based on some vague dialoge on one of the Great War foruims, "Lst. B." likely stands for Landsturm Battalion,  but the markings are usually also followed by a location, such as Frbg...which would be interpreted as Landsturm Battalion Freiburg. The Landsturm Battalion is not a single battalion, but many batallions made up of older men defending forts, towns, and principalities. Prussia, Germany, Sweden, and Austia-Hungary each had Landsturm Battalions.

In my research on the rifle last night, I read that the M1873 was indeed still issued at the beginning of WWI throughout the Habsberg Empire to reserve units, as it was effective, but not as efficient as more modern front line rifles. So this is starting to make sense and paint a really cool picture.

See what you started here Jack? You post 4 photos and we're getting a history lesson! Well done. 

Comment by Kevin D 3 hours ago

Darn it...  this thing is hating my typing...

Serial numbers make a lot of sense.  Any guesses on what Lst. B. refers to?

I am thinking a M1873 bayonet as well.  This was intended to used on the Werndi rifle.  No scabbard?  Shame, as this is a nice looking bayo...  I have this thing for full kits though.

Comment by Lars Ray 7 hours ago

I was looking at some examples last night in some private collections. Where theirs had markings on the forward quillon, they referred to them as Regimental marks as well - but gave no specifics. So while my original comments were a educated guess at best, it appears to be on the right track - that, or we're all worng!

Also, I noticed several marked very similar to yours with 1705, 1059, 1356, and 2353. These could be serial numbers or in association with the assigned rifle. I am not up to speed on Austria-Hungarian armories and their issueance. 

Comment by Jack 7 hours ago

Thank you that is fantastic

Comment by Lars Ray yesterday

I have no idea on these marks..these will require a lot more reasearch. The 1751 - while it may represent a date, it's not for its manufacture. Could be regimental markings, or a sector within the Habsberg Empire. I can't tell for sure in the photo - on the ricasso, it looks like CA along with the Austrian Eagle - that woould be an acceptance mark. 

I hope this helps with your research...it's a really nice piece.