Mod. 1899 Schmidt-Rubin Bayonet

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	Weapon: Mod. 1899 Schmidt-Rubin Bayonet Type: Knife Bayonet Country of Origin: Switzerland Year Adopted: 1899 Overall Length (mm): 355.0 Overall Length (in): 13.98 Weight (kg): 0.45 Weight (pounds): 0.99

The Swiss Bayonet Mod. 1899 was introduced to accompany the Schmidt-Rubin Model 1889/96 rifle, a refined version of Switzerland's pioneering straight-pull service rifle. The bayonet features a straight, single-edged blade approximately 300 mm (11.8 inches) in length, with a shallow fuller running along each side. The hilt includes smooth hardwood grips riveted to a full tang, a steel pommel with a push-button locking mechanism, and a short crossguard with a forward-swept quillon. Unlike its predecessor, the long Mod. 1889 bayonet, the Mod. 1899 adopted a more compact and practical design suited for infantry combat in the modern era.

The Mod. 1899 was produced beginning in the late 1890s by established Swiss arms manufacturers such as Waffenfabrik Neuhausen and SIG. Although exact production numbers are not fully documented, the bayonet was widely issued to Swiss troops in the early 20th century and served alongside the updated Schmidt-Rubin rifles. Each bayonet was typically serialized to match the rifle it was paired with, maintaining Switzerland's high standards of logistical precision and firearm craftsmanship. The scabbard was typically made of blued steel with a leather frog for belt attachment.

Though it never saw combat in major conflicts due to Swiss neutrality, the Mod. 1899 bayonet was an integral part of the Swiss Army's early 20th-century armament. It served well into the interwar years and represents a transitional design between the long sword-style bayonets of the 19th century and the more utilitarian dagger forms adopted later. Collectors value the Mod. 1899 for its solid construction, historical significance, and its connection to one of the most advanced rifles of its time. Its understated, functional design is a testament to Swiss military pragmatism.