Collecting bayonets

[Adam Helmer]

Vintage military surplus arms are enhanced in collections by proper slings, accoutrements and bayonets. I think back fondly to the late 1950s and 1960s when my favorite stores were the Surplus Stores with tons of stuff for bargain prices. I recall buying many bayonets for a dollar or two dollars. Unfortunately, I had far too few dollars from mowing lawns to get all the bayonets I saw and handled, let alone surplus military rifles.

Nowdays bayonets are in the $30 to $100+ range depending on which bayonet you want, and condition thereof. Bayonets are interesting adjuncts to military rifle collections. By the American Civil War, bayonets were relegated to tent stakes, candle holders and shiskabob shafts for pork chops, baked potatos and such like. Still, there are many interesting bayonets that are better off in serious collections. I think the most beautiful bayonet I ever saw was the chrome Model 1891 Argentine that sold in 1961 for $2.00, plus postage. Unfortunately, I only have one of those.

Adam