Stag Grip Dress Bayonet – Herder

Product Description: This stag grip dress bayonet is a nice example of this desirable bayonet type. The blade is outstanding, nice and bright, with full original luster to the nickel plating. The blade ricasso is neatly stamped with the maker mark of Rich. Abr. Herder, in Solingen. The original leather buffer pad is still present on the blade. This bayonet has a great handle. The desirable stag grip plates are intact, held tightly in place with the original rivets. The stag material has a great look, with a mellow patina. The nickel plating on the hilt has some marks and scratches from wear, and has worn through in some small spots on high points and edges. This stag grip dress bayonet is complete with its original steel scabbard. The scabbard shows wear that matches the hilt, with about 80 percent of the original glossy black enamel painted finish still intact. There is a small dent to the scabbard that does not affect the function. This high quality Herder bayonet is very attractive, and 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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