Police Bayonet EPS

Product Description: This Police Bayonet is a very handsome example, with many desirable features. The bright blade is really nice, with only a few small marks from age, and no damage. The reverse of the blade ricasso is stamped with the commercial type maker logo of E. Pack & Sohn in Solingen, a desirable maker of these. The handle on this Police Bayonet is also lovely. The stag grips have no cracks or damage, and the intricately decorated crossguard and pommel retain lots of detail, with only minor wear and age toning. The grip emblem with the wreathed eagle and swastika Polizei emblem appears to be zinc-based, and has some finish wear that exposes the gray color of the base metal. The original leather buffer is present. This Police Bayonet is complete with its original scabbard. The plated metal fittings at the tip and throat show some finish wear and spotting from age here and there. Both of these fittings are stamped “4” on the reverse. The glossy black scabbard paint is about 95 percent intact, with some even wear. This is a complete and sound piece with a lot going for it.

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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