Turkish M35 bayonet converted from OEWG Steyr export bayonet

Up for sale is a unique Turkish M35 bayonet that was converted from an OEWG Steyr bayonet, likely an export M71/84 bayonet for the Gewehr 71/84 and 88 rifles. The Ottoman Empire received large amounts of aid from both Germany and Austro-Hungary during World War 1 and used both of those rifles in large numbers. It is likely that this bayonet was part of that aid. Later in the 1930’s, Turkey embarked on an ambitious program to convert their diverse stockpiles of rifles and bayonets into a single, somewhat consistent pattern. This led to a large amount of different bayonets being converted to the M35 pattern, including this one. This interesting and unique bayonet is in very good shape and makes for an interesting conversation piece in any collection.