How Rare is a 1895 Dated Krag Bayonet??

[Dick Hosmer]

I completely agree with your analysis.

The trapezoidal hole is just BARELY so - easily missed.

My stuff is all packed away just now but I'll post some pics when I can.

[Kragrifle]

OK, here goes . First the photo of the three model hook scabbards. First we gave the earliest style with sharp edge on the hook, no limiting pin and non parallel opening. This would have been the scabbard with the early blued 1894 bayonets.

[Kragrifle]

Next we have the transition scabbard with sharp edges on the hook, no limiting pin but with parallel sides on the opening. This is the only one of these I have seen and came with a worn blued 1894 bayonet. Likely produced only a short period of time around March of 1895.

[Kragrifle]

Finally we have the third, more common hook scabbard. This will have rounded edges on the hook, parallel opening and pin limiting rotation of the hook. This was produced up to around August of 1899 when the final more common belt attachment scabbard, Model 1899 was introduced.

[Kragrifle]

So, the three points of comparison are
1. The opening
2. The edge at the top of the hook
3. The presence or absence of a pin limiting travel of the hook

- - - Updated - - -

The above concerns standard rifle length scabbards. Cadet length scabbards are another story with at least five variations.

[Dick Hosmer]

Beat me to it (not hard to do) good pics!

As I said, the trapezoidal cut certainly does NOT scream at you.

[cowtownscout]

So, the three points of comparison are
1. The opening
2. The edge at the top of the hook
3. The presence or absence of a pin limiting travel of the hook[ATTACH=CONFIG]47515[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]47516[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]47517[/ATTACH]

- - - Updated - - -

The above concerns standard rifle length scabbards. Cadet length scabbards are another story with at least five variations.

Thank You - Great explanation and photos - now I know what to look for.