Fireman’s Bayonet with Frog – Höller

Product Description: This Fireman’s Bayonet with Frog is a nice, complete rig, in outstanding condition. It’s a top quality piece. The plated blade is gorgeous, and near mint, with full original luster. The blade ricasso is neatly etched with the commercial type, “thermometer” logo of the firm of F. W. Höller in Solingen. The original leather blade buffer pad is intact. The handle shows only very slight wear and age, with a very light, even patina to the original bright finish on the metalwork, including the distinctive fireman’s style crossguard. The checked grip plates are fully intact, with no chips or cracks, and are fixed in place with the original rivets. The scabbard of this Fireman’s Bayonet with Frog is outstanding, with nearly all of the original glossy black enamel paint finish, and only some minor wear and handling marks. The frog is a smooth, black leather, private purchase style which is correct for this bayonet type. The leather shows some scuffs and wear on the reverse edges, but remains sound. This bayonet displays great, and is an excellent example of this edged weapon type.

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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