Germany, Wehrmacht. A Pair of Bayonets

(Wehrmacht Bajonette). A pair of Wehrmacht bayonets, including:

1. A K98 combat bayonet, measuring 40.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25.5 cm-long patinated magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge, and with fullers running the length of each side. It retains virtually all of its original factory-applied blueing. The reverse ricasso bears a stamped maker’s mark of “CARL EICKHORN” for the famous Solingen-based blade manufacturer, while the obverse is stamped with a serial number of “8607”. It sits securely within a one-piece magnetic metal hilt with an insertion slot and functional push-button release. Two pieces of lacquered and blackened wood compose the handle grip, each with central ribbing, and are secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. The bayonet is accompanied by its matching scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the bayonet in place during storage. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft near the throat for the accommodation of a frog. The latter is included and is constructed of pressed blackened leather tightly stitched and riveted into a loop for belt suspension. A two-piece strap emanates from the frog and fastens together with an aluminum stud to hold the bayonet in place. Demonstrating no notable wear or damage, the bayonet is in an overall extremely fine condition.

2. A Heer dress bayonet, measuring 40.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long nickel-plated magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge, and with fullers running the length of each side. The reverse ricasso is maker marked with the logo of C. Gustav Spitzer, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated alloy hilt with a hooked quillon, and with an intact black leather buffer pad covering the seam. It features a hollow insertion slot with a functional push-button spring release. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured together with two non-magnetic metal rivets. The bayonet is accompanied by its matching scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the bayonet in place during storage. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft near the throat for the accommodation of a frog. The latter is included and is constructed of pressed blackened leather tightly stitched and riveted into a loop for belt suspension. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks and tarnishing to the blade, sporadic loss of nickel-plating, some loss of scabbard paint, material fatigue throughout the frog, and friction which renders scabbard insertion and extraction difficult. The bayonet is in an overall near extremely fine condition.