Very rare WWI Bulgarian Combat Storm trench knife bayonet

Here we have one extremely rare to find piece of Bulgarian military history – a WWI storm combat knife bayonet. Model dates back from 1916 when a limited series was issued especially for Bulgarian royal army. These knives are known also as “storm knife” as it saw limited use with the stormtroopers, established after the German Stosstruppen. During WWI being German ally, Bulgaria adopted same type military equipment.

(We attach copy of Bulgarian WWI stormers photo).

The knife was an important and necessary part of Bulgarian storm soldier’s equipment. It was the main weapon for the stormers in the hand-to-hand assaults that took place at every battle on the WWI front. The bayonets were made in and marked by the military arsenal in Sofia. On the blade’s basis here is clearly seen the stamp “SA” which stands for Sofiiski arsenal. There is another mark on the other side of the blade which is not readable.

Full length of knife, including scabbard: 37 cm /14,5”. The knife only: 32 cm/ 13,5 inch. Blade: 21 cm/ 8,2 inch. Blade is double sided, sharpened on both sides; it has a wide basis of 3 cm. Some rust is seen of few places.

The crossguard is wide 6,8 cm. Handle ( 12,5 cm long) is wood covered , in perfect condition for its age.

Scabbard is also made of wood, sheathed in leather carrier. The natural leather is in authentic VG+ state.

These bayonets were made in WWI in a limited series. We can touch this piece today thanks to the secret stock of the military factory “Ivaylo” where couple of these were found some 20 years ago. Otherwise these knives are extremely rare, almost never seen.

AN EXTREMELY RARE FIND for serious edged weapons collectors! Bayonet is in absolutely authentic VG+ condition!