This is a FINE condition example of the relatively scarce Austrian socket bayonet for the Model 1867 Werndl Extra Corps Gewehr Carbine. The bayonet remained in use on the subsequent M1867/77, M1873, M1873/77 variants of the Extra Corps carbine as well and also saw use with the Model 1872 Gendarmerie Carbine and the Models 1878 and 1881 Kropatschek Gendarmerie Carbine. The Werndl system was a rotating drum, single shot, self-contained metallic cartridge action that replaced the earlier Wänzl system which had been used to alter existing stocks of muzzleloading percussion rifles to breechloading cartridge firearms. Once sufficient numbers of Wänzl rifles were available, the production of the Wänzl alterations came to an end.

While the Werndl Infantry Rifle was chambered for the 11.15x42R cartridge, and later the 11.15x58R after 1877, the Extra Corps Carbine was chambered for a proprietary 11mm cartridge that was ballistically similar to the .44-40 and similar cross platform cartridges that would be equally usable as a handgun cartridge or a low powered rifle or carbine cartridge. The larger infantry rifle also took a semi-Yataghan bladed saber bayonet, while the Extra Corps Carbine took a socket bayonet. The Extra Corps Carbines were intended for issue to those specialty troops who would be unnecessarily encumbered by a full-sized battle rifle but needed a firearm more powerful and versatile than a handgun. The Extra Corps carbines were issued to Engineers, Artillerymen, Transportation Train solider, etc. It could be thought of as the mid-19^th century Austrian version of the World War II era M1 Carbine.

The M1867 Werndl Extra Corps Socket Bayonets were based upon the earlier M1854 Lorenz Socket Bayonet and featured a socket with a helical mortise cut and a quadrangle blade. The scabbards were leather covered wood with iron mountings, of a pattern that was in use by the Austrians as early as 1799. The bayonets had the following nominal dimensions, according to Keisling; an overall length of 575mm (22.637”) with a 460mm (18.11”) blade, a 110mm (4.33”) socket and a 17.5mm (.6889”) muzzle diameter.

The example of the Austrian Model 1867 Werndl Extra Corps Gewehr Carbine Socket Bayonet offered here is in FINE condition. The bayonet has a full-length quadrangle blade that measures 18 ½” from the very sharp tip to the face of the shank. The overall length is nominally 23” with a 4.125” socket and a 3.375” helical mortise cut that is .28” wide. The muzzle diameter of the socket is .675” and the muzzle to stud distance is .8”. There are only two markings on the bayonet, a small 1 on the face of the right side of the blade, near the shank and the serial number 1250 on the reverse of the neck. The lack of the Austrian * inspection mark on the shank or other military markings suggest that this bayonet may have been used by the Gendarmerie (Federal Police) or other para-military Austrian force. Although the Werndl system was quite obsolete and outdated by the time that World War I erupted, many of the old rifles and carbines saw use with rear echelon troops and away from the front lines during that conflict.

As noted, the bayonet remains in FINE condition. The metal is mostly bright with a slightly dulling steel patina and lightly freckled oxidation and minor age discoloration scattered over the metal surfaces. The metal is free of any real or serious pitting but does show some more moderate surface oxidation and minor roughness, primarily on the socket. The original locking ring remains in place on the socket and still moves freely and functions correctly. The socket remains round without any dings or dents that would keep the bayonet from mounting on a gun. The scabbard is in about FINE condition as well. It remains crisp with the original iron tip and frog hook intact. The iron mountings are moderately oxidized with freckled discoloration and age patina. The leather covering of the wood scabbard body shows moderate wear with scuffed and flaked finish loss, surface scuffs and scratches and some surface mars. The stitching remains intact and tight, and the scabbard remains fully functional and useable.

Overall, this is a FINE and crisp example of a less commonly encountered Austrian socket bayonet. This would be a nice addition to your M1867 Werndl Extra Corps Carbine, or a collection of Austrian socket bayonets.