Description: The Model 1878 Bayonet is a huge blade, and when mounted on a Vetterli, the combination stands 6 feet in height. The 1878, along with the 1881 and 1887 are mounted on the right side of the Vetterli, much like a socket bayonet, rather than under the barrel. It should be noted the 1878 is fullered one one side only. Also, the 1878s,1881s and 1887s came in both sawtooth and straightback variations. Other variations also existed. Some 1878 had rivets in the fuller. A musician variants existed where the handle groove was filled in and the muzzle ring lacked the contours to fit around the Vetterli's front sight (see picture). Another variation filled in both the muzzle ring and the handle groove. Finally a border guard variant with a shorter 18.8" (470mm) straight back blade variant and a fuller on both sides of the blade also existed. Model 1881 Blade Length - 18.9" (480mm) Handle Length - 4.37 " (111mm) Total Length - 23.6" (600mm) Muzzle Ring Diameter - .725" (18mm) Issued with: Vetterli Model 1881 Manufacturers: SIG Neuhausen Description: The Model 1881 differs from the 1878 in only minor ways. First the crossbar on the Model 1881 is 7mm thick rather than 6mm. Second, the metal pieces on the Model 1881's scabbard were held on with rivets rather than wire. Model 1887 Sawback Bayonet
The main reason most bayonets of this period fix on the side of the barrel is the necessity of the clearing /ramrod, in the early days of metallic cartridges,separated cases were common,so the rod was an important item.
I have the same bayonet as you, its one of my all time favorites, but mine is in slightly better condition than yours, almost looks new, yet its almost 140 years old. How much do you think is worth?
Price differs from country to country. This one came from Switzerland for €260. However they sell for much more internationally. You don't see them sell too often so it's pretty hard to guess what they are worth
Description: The Model 1878 Bayonet is a huge blade, and when mounted on a Vetterli, the combination stands 6 feet in height. The 1878, along with the 1881 and 1887 are mounted on the right side of the Vetterli, much like a socket bayonet, rather than under the barrel. It should be noted the 1878 is fullered one one side only. Also, the 1878s,1881s and 1887s came in both sawtooth and straightback variations. Other variations also existed. Some 1878 had rivets in the fuller. A musician variants existed where the handle groove was filled in and the muzzle ring lacked the contours to fit around the Vetterli's front sight (see picture). Another variation filled in both the muzzle ring and the handle groove. Finally a border guard variant with a shorter 18.8" (470mm) straight back blade variant and a fuller on both sides of the blade also existed.
Model 1881
Blade Length - 18.9" (480mm)
Handle Length - 4.37 " (111mm)
Total Length - 23.6" (600mm)
Muzzle Ring Diameter - .725" (18mm)
Issued with: Vetterli Model 1881
Manufacturers: SIG Neuhausen
Description: The Model 1881 differs from the 1878 in only minor ways. First the crossbar on the Model 1881 is 7mm thick rather than 6mm. Second, the metal pieces on the Model 1881's scabbard were held on with rivets rather than wire.
Model 1887 Sawback Bayonet
The main reason most bayonets of this period fix on the side of the barrel is the necessity of the clearing /ramrod, in the early days of metallic cartridges,separated cases were common,so the rod was an important item.
I have the same bayonet as you, its one of my all time favorites, but mine is in slightly better condition than yours, almost looks new, yet its almost 140 years old. How much do you think is worth?
Price differs from country to country. This one came from Switzerland for €260. However they sell for much more internationally. You don't see them sell too often so it's pretty hard to guess what they are worth