Rare Sawback Fireman’s Bayonet by Höller

Product Description: This rare Sawback Fireman’s Bayonet by Höller is an impressive piece. This pattern of dress bayonet is very rare to find in this sawback style. The blade is really nice, with bright original luster as well as typical runner marks and a couple of light scratches. The reverse of the blade ricasso is stamped with the commercial type maker mark of the firm of F. W. Höller in Solingen. The original leather blade buffer pad is intact. The handle of this bayonet is very attractive, with no cracks or chips to the checkered Bakelite grip plates. The pommel and distinctive fireman’s style quillon retain nearly all of the original bright plating, with some minor marks. There is some light lifting of the plating along the edge of the handle, between the grip plates, where the plating has come away slightly from the steel.  This rare sawback Fireman’s Bayonet is complete with its original scabbard, which retains 95 percent of the original glossy black enamel painted finish. It’s also complete with its original correct style patent leather frog. The frog remains most of its original black finished surface, with some light, typical age crazing. The reverse of the frog once had a deluxe felt backing, which has been mostly removed, leaving traces and residue behind. This bayonet is a choice piece, that would be hard to upgrade. The condition 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