Etched Dress Bayonet by Eickhorn

Product Description: This Etched Dress Bayonet by Eickhorn is a handsome and desirable example. The blade is very bright, with all of the original heavy plating intact, and beautiful shine. It’s neatly etched, with the wording “Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit” (To the memory of my service time) flanked on one side with a helmet and crossed rifles, and on the other with a German eagle and swastika emblem. The ricasso is stamped with the maker logo of the firm of Carl Eickhorn in Solingen, a maker associated with high quality pieces. The brown leather buffer pad is still present on the blade, which does show typical runner marks from being in and out of the scabbard. The handle of this bayonet is nearly perfect, with all of the bright plating still present on the metalwork. The Bakelite grip plates are free of cracks or chips, and are held in place with the original rivets. A green felt plug in the groove for the bayonet lug indicates this piece was carried by a member of a unit with a Jäger tradition. This etched dress bayonet is complete with its original scabbard. The scabbard retains nearly all of the original glossy black enamel painted finish, and has one dent on one side. Overall, the condition of this scarce and very attractive piece rates as excellent plus.

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.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com