WWII Clamshell Police Bayonet

Product Description: This WWII Clamshell Police Bayonet is a choice example. The blade on this piece is near perfect, with outstanding original luster to the plating. There is no manufacturer marking on the blade. The handle on this piece is gorgeous, with appealing light honey tones to the real stag grips. The Polizei wreathed eagle and swastika emblem on the grip is intact, and nicely detailed. The clam shell fitting with eagle ornamentation is loose, which is common for these. The plating on the metalwork on the handle is clean, intact, and bright. This WWII Clamshell Police Bayonet is complete with its original leather-covered scabbard. The metal fittings on the scabbard are bright, with no damage, and the leather is intact, with virtually all of the original surface and strong original color. The scabbard is in its original leather frog, which shows some crazing from age. The frog is marked and dated, though the stampings are slightly obscured by the crazing. This is a really nice piece, in excellent plus 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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