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Who are we ?

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The collecting fraternity in France is wide and numerous are the official associations mainly with the purpose of salvaging the historical heritage and to put into circulation the knowledge, fields previously prerogatives of professionals. Although other associations are already existing, we thought that the wide field of bayonets could be complementary studied on a different way. Subscriptions to several associations are beneficial, desirable and encouraged, as they allow a better synthesis of the knowledge and useful bridges between associations.

From variety will appear, we hope, quality and a healthy emulation can only be beneficial to everybody. This new association is young but already ancient by the summed experiences of its members. Our purpose is not to have a great number of inactive members but to bring together passionate people who will actively participate, among other things, to the redaction of our association magazine and to the “debating place”, which is not the usual form of a forum. It was always better to have quality that number, but if both are together...
With the experience acquired during more than 30 years within other associations will be beneficial, mostly for the publication of a bimonthly journal called “Gazette de la Baïonnette”. The first issue was published in January 2008 and for the beginning 20 pages written by well known authors would be enough. Five issues have already been published and the sixth is to be prepared.

Voeux 2008

The bayonet exists because the firearm exists. It is its natural extension. A special attention will be put on the relation between bayonet and firearm. This point of view could be interesting either for the bayonets collectors or the firearms collectors. The study of variations, the discovering of unknowns, the history everything will be published in the Gazette.

No competition between the members, no small or huge collection. To own 3500 bayonets doesn’t mean one can have a better knowledge, but only one have more money or is collecting since a longer time. A collection with only a few bayonets can reveal to be made with some treasures, unknown markings, unknown variations, as usually at the beginning we buy everything we can allow, the collector having there only a limited knowledge and no relations. Fate is a great provider so these possible treasures. We have to let these known and to promote the happy owner(s).

Our “debating place” will be the main link between the members, non members and everyone with good wills. The English version will allow to our English speaking friends to give to all some important informations, and indeed to receive too.

To have in the group some people passionate by the bayonet, ready to transmit their passion and knowledge will be very satisfactory and will show we could convince to collect another way. Laws information, photographic tutors, writing and why not Internet , History, collection management and search for documentation will also be in our program for the members concerned.

I.B.A. Who are us ? (14.12.2009)