Heer Etched 36th Infantry Bayonet w/ Frog- Höller

Product Description: chipped grip on spine, engraved with 36th Infantry, missing rivet on frog throat

A highly collectible Heer Etched 36th Infantry Bayonet w/ Frog- Höller, featuring a blade etched on one side with the inscription “Fur Errinerungen an meine Dienstzeit Infanterie Rgt. 36” (“In rememberence of my time of service 36th Infantry Regiment”). The blade is in excellent overall condition, retaining its original finish, with crisp engraving and the F.W. Höller maker’s mark clearly visible at the ricasso. The handle preserves the majority of its original finish, with a small chip to the cross hatched grip. The release tab is operational, while the original felt pad and leather washer at the guard remain intact.

The accompanying scabbard retains most of its original black paint, with some expected losses and surface wear, and is paired with a leather frog that remains intact and pliable, but is missing a rivet near top, but is otherwise exhibiting minor superficial cracking consistent with period use. No markings are present on the frog. Overall, this Heer Etched 36th Infantry Bayonet w/ Frog- Höller represents a well-preserved example of a finely crafted Höller bayonet, combining historical inscription, original components, and collector appeal.

Historical Description: The bayonet was an important part of the combat equipment of the German soldier in both World Wars. The first pattern of German combat bayonet was the Mauser model 1898 which had a long, slender blade. As a result of experiences in combat use in WWI, it was soon decided to shorten the blades on these weapons. This 1898 pattern bayonet was used early in WWI alongside the 1898/05 and the S84/98 bayonets, which were initially shorter, and stronger, than the unmodified 1898 type. Both of these types were made with and without a saw-backed blade. Due to the challenges faced by German industry and the shortages of raw materials, a variety of “Ersatz” (replacement) types were introduced during WWI. After the war, the S84/98 bayonet became standard issue in the Reichswehr and later, in the Wehrmacht, for troops armed with the K98 rifle (the standard WWII German infantry weapon). The bayonets made for issue with the K98 rifle initially had wooden grips. Later, some bayonets were made with Bakelite grips. The bayonets were worn on the belt by means of a leather frog, of which there were a number of prewar and wartime variations including a short bayonet frog for use with the folding shovel, and a webbing frog for tropical use. In 1942, a new model of bayonet was introduced, knows as the SG42. This was a very modernized bayonet, with a comfortable Bakelite grip, and a relatively short blade that made it ideal for use either as a bayonet or a fighting knife. Within the grip was a removable multi-tool insert with a folding knife/bottle opener, awl and screwdriver. Although the SG42 was proposed as a replacement for the S84/98, few were manufactured. German combat bayonets were made in countless variations and all are very collectible today, with some rare variants being very avidly sought-after.

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