Wood Grip Fireman’s Bayonet with Frog unmarked

Product Description: This Wood Grip Fireman’s Bayonet with Frog shows some age and wear. The blade is unmarked, and shows pitting to the plated finish from having been exposed to a moist environment at some point in the past. The original leather blade buffer pad is present. The exterior of this bayonet shows even wear throughout. The desirable wood grip plates on the handle are intact, with no cracks or chips, and are still held in place with the original rivets. The metal scabbard on this Wood Grip Fireman’s Bayonet with Frog retains most of the original smooth glossy black enamel painted finish, with some marks from wear. The frog that once allowed this bayonet to be worn on a fireman’s belt is the correct, smooth patent leather type. There is typical age deterioration to the patent leather finish, with some minor damage on the top edge near the hole for the scabbard stud. This bayonet is in very good condition, and is a good representative example of the scarce wood grip variant.

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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