Yugoslav Model 1924 bayonets, original production and German captured

[PRE]

I acquired these awhile back, but wanted to share them here. These are three Yugoslav Model 1924 bayonets spanning original production and German captured/modified examples. The originals were very similar to Czech Vz-24 bayonets, with the same method of attachment, design, appearance, muzzle ring and scales. Original Yugoslav production bayonets are stamped with 'ATZ' or 'BTZ' in a triangle on the ricasso.

As they did in other conquered areas, the Germans made good use of captured materiel in Yugoslavia. Starting in 1942 directives written by the German general staff ordered numerous modifications be made to existing Yugoslav bayonets in German inventory. These included bluing of the blade, removal of the muzzle ring to accommodate K98k muzzles, moving the scabbard rivet from the center-top to the side, and installation of different grip bolts. Variations are found that can include some but not all of the mandated modifications, probably depending on the proximity of appropriate facilities capable of completing the work. All examples I have seen still retain their original Yugoslav markings, regardless of extent of modification. This is the same case with the bayonets captured from other countries like Czechoslovakia, Poland and France.

The photos show the original Yugoslav example on the left, with two German captured/modified examples in the middle and at the right. The right side German modified bayonet was found in a German produced frog, and is in the best condition of the three. The final two photos in the sequence show WSS troops confiscating arms in Bosnia(?). Note the variety of edged weapons that were recovered in the last photo (from the SS-Kriegsberichter site).

Best,
Pat

[SRB]

Stalingrad: digging near Gorodisсhe & Gumrak
https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/battlefield-history-relics/stalingrad-digging-near-gorodis-he-gumrak-15519-151/

[PRE]

Very interesting SRB, thank you!

Best,
Pat

[Sleepwalker]

Hello,

yugoslawian M24 bayonets were renamed in Seitengewehr 109(j) and used in high numbers, because they can fit any Mauser rifle with the german standard bayonet lug.

Very much were reworked by german orders from 1942 to german standards. Some also were shorted to the length of a S84/98.

Here is one with removed muzzle ring, blued steel parts, renumbered "52" and german unit mark on the blade.

[Sleepwalker]

here are three out of my collection with removed muzzle rings, blued and reworked scabbards... with the standard german side-screw

[Sleepwalker]

Here are some shorted modells, blued, scabbard with german type screws insted rivets and most renumberd in any part by germans. Used by a german police unit.

[Sleepwalker]

Also the yugo M24B were captured and reworked. The M24B were made out of former german S98/05 and S98.

Here are two modells, both have removed muzzle rings, were blued, one has a reworked scabbard


Regards

[SRB]

my collection M1924 and one after war m48 for comparison

[Sleepwalker]

Nice.

I have one in the original condition, with original M 24 frog

[PRE]

Fantastic examples gentlemen, thank you for sharing! Absolutely beautiful.

The shortened blade German-capture M24 bayonets are much less frequently encountered in the USA than the standard length. It's also difficult to find unit numbered examples. Sleepwalker, that is an excellent assortment of German-captures!

Best,
Pat