Etched Luftwaffe Dress Bayonet – Nr. 2181

Product Description: This etched Luftwaffe dress bayonet is a choice piece, that has a lot going for it. The blade on this one is near mint, with outstanding original luster. There is no maker marking on the blade, but the etching pattern is number 2181 from the Robert Klaas catalog. It’s a really nice etching, with a Wehrmacht helmet and early, “droop tail” Luftwaffe eagle and swastika emblem, flanking the wording “Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit” (In Memory of My Service Time). There is some very minor gray specking to the blade. The handle of this one shows only extremely minor wear, with full original plating to the metalwork. The checked grip plates are intact, with no chips or cracks. An original, sword style knot is tied to the handle, with a leather strap and synthetic knot, all in excellent condition with only slight age and usage toning. The original leather blade buffer pad is still present, as is the red felt in the slot on the pommel, which was used on dress bayonets carried by Wehrmacht members. This etched Luftwaffe dress bayonet is complete with its original scabbard and patent leather frog. The scabbard is a beauty, and still retains 98 percent of its original glossy black paint. The smooth, glossy finish on the frog has deteriorated over time, probably from heat, but the frog remains complete and solid. This is a desirable bayonet, and remains in excellent overall 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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