Puma Etched Officers Bayonet – Inf Rgt 20

Product Description: This Puma Etched Officers Bayonet is a fabulous, unit marked piece. The blade is great, with nice original nickel plating. It is stamped on the ricasso with the very desirable maker mark of Puma in Solingen. It has a crisp and very detailed etching on the front, with etching pattern “Nr. 6350” for 9th Kompanie, 3 Battalion of the 20. Infantry Regiment of Deggndorf. This unit was part of the 10. Infantry Division, which fought in Poland, France and on the Eastern Front. The wording in the etching is flanked with a German Army eagle and swastika emblem on one side, and a steel helmet on the other. The handle of this dagger shows some age and wear, with light freckling to the nickel plating, and one tiny chip to one grip plate on the spine area. This Puma etched officers bayonet is complete with its original scabbard, which retains about 95 percent of the original glossy black enamel paint. This bayonet also retains its original frog, which is an interesting and desirable private purchase style. The frog has a metal backing plate, which is stamped “DRP” indicating a Reich patented design. This is a great example, by a sought after maker, and remains in very good 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.

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