Municipal Police Bayonet by Paul Weyersberg

Product Description: Here we have a nice matching example of a Municipal Police Bayonet by Paul Weyersberg. The plated blade on this one looks great. It retains a nice, bright, mirror-like finish, along with a perfect fit and sharp tip. The stamped maker mark and proof stamp on the spine of the blade are all nicely executed. The blade rates a solid excellent condition. It shows evidence of having been cut down (all of these were that way, having been factory reissued post Weimar period), along with minor spotting and surface scratches throughout. The black municipal leather scabbard body looks great. It has the odd scuff and age crazing, but remains nice and dark throughout, with all of the original stitching intact. The four vertical lines running through it, give it that finishing touch of German detail! The nickel-silver based, plated scalloped scabbard fittings have takn on an attractive patina from age. The reverse of the scabbard throat fitting and crossguard have matching numbers, “S.W.I. 1192.” The scabbard throat snugly fits the brass-based hilt. The hilt of this Municipal Police Bayonet matches the scabbard perfectly in color, wear and patina. It shows wonderful detail throughout, with oak leaves, acorns and highly detailed eagle’s head pommel. The desirable stag grip plates have handsome light and dark tones, and are tightly secured with two original aluminum rivets. The centrally placed aluminum police eagle is properly pinned, and still shows nice detail throughout, with some patina to the recesses that adds visual contrast. Overall, this nice-looking example of a matching police bayonet 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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