Army Dress Bayonet with SS Stamped Frog

Product Description:  This Army Dress Bayonet with SS Stamped Frog, manufactured by Peter Daniel Krebs of Solingen and marked at the ricasso, is a finely preserved example retaining much of its original chromed finish to the blade, guard, and pommel, with only minor high-point wear. The release button operates smoothly, and the original red felt spacer remains in place. The blade shows strong surface quality with typical runner marks and age-appropriate wear, while the original leather washer is fully intact. The cross-hatched black grips present exceptionally well, free of cracks, chips, or other damage.

The scabbard retains its original black paint with expected scratches and areas of loss, and the throat screw is present. The black-dyed leather frog holds excellent form, its stitching sound and complete. A small area of leather loss near the lower front rivet appears to have been reinforced with period field stitching, preserving structural integrity. The reverse of the frog bears SS runes and the RZM 502/38 marking. Taken together, this Army Dress Bayonet with SS Stamped Frog is offered in excellent overall condition, forming a coherent and well-preserved grouping.

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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