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WKC Police Dress Bayonet

Condition: Excellent

Maker: WKC

SKU: JW3981 Category: Tags , ,

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Product Description: This WKC Police Dress Bayonet is a very nice and desirable piece. The nickel-plated blade is in outstanding, near mint condition, with great shine. The blade is well marked, with a stamped “knight’s helmet” on the obverse ricasso, and the full maker name “Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie.” (WKC) on the reverse. The handle is beautiful, with only light patina to the guard and pommel, and no damage. The stag grip plates are intact, with beautiful light and dark brown tones, and light patina. The wreathed eagle and swastika Polizei emblem on the grip is originally attached, and shows only light wear, with good detail. The grossguard is unit marked “S. Ar. IV 179,” which matches the unit marking on the scabbard throat. This WKC Police Dress Bayonet is complete with its original leather scabbard. The leather is very well preserved, with no damage; nearly all of the original surface is intact, with strong original color. The nickel plated metal fittings on the scabbard show pleasant luster. This bayonet is loaded with eye appeal, and 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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