Eickhorn Etched Dress Bayonet – Pattern 3219

Product Description: This Eickhorn Etched Dress Bayonet is a rare original. It’s got a beautiful Eickhorn factory etch on the blade. The pattern of this etch is listed in the Eickhorn catalog as pattern “3219.” The blade on this one retains nearly all of the original finish, with some wear near the tip. There is one large nick to the cutting edge. The etch on this one is crisp and perfectly executed, and features the inscription “Zur Erinnerung  an meine Dienstzeit” (In Memory of My Service Time) flanked by vertical German Army eagle and swastika emblems. The reverse of the blade ricasso is stamped with the Eickhorn squirrel maker logo. The handle of this Eickhorn etched dress bayonet shows only light wear. The black grips are intact, with no cracks, and the pommel and quillion retain nearly all of the original plating. The groove in the handle is filled with original green felt, indicating it was worn by a member of a unit with a Jäger tradition. The original scabbard retains nearly all of the original black enamel painted finish, with no dents, and only light wear. It is complete with an early issue type leather frog, which is marked by a maker in Bielefeld and dated 1939. The frog is complete with its original handle retaining strap and aluminum press stud. This is a desirable piece by a premium maker, and remains in excellent condition.

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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