In August 1915 the Belgian government contracted with the U.S. firm of Hopkins and Allen for some 140,000 Model 1889 Mauser rifles and 10,000 carbines, standard weapons of the Belgian military. The weapons were paid for, but the firm had miscalculated the costs of production and ended up in bankruptcy. The weapons themselves seem not to have delivered until 1916 and not issued until the fighting had ceased.

This is a very good example of the bayonet provided by the firm with the rifles. Their markings on the ricasso are crisp and read, “HOPKINS AND ALLEN ARMS CO. / Norwich, Conn/ U.S.A.” The blade is bright and has a good point and edge with no nicks. The wood grip and the hilt are excellent. Even rarer than the bayonet is the scabbard. Like the bayonet it is similar to the pattern for the Krag, but mounts a stud at the throat and a leather belt loop instead of metal belt hook. The leather loop is solid with a good surface. The scabbard body is free of dents and retains about all of its blue with the exceptions of a few rubs at the throat and the ball finial of the drag.

This is a scarce foreign contract, US made bayonet with its correct scabbard that merits a place in a U.S. edged weapons collection alongside those produced for U.S. arms.  [sr]

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