WWI GERMAN BAYONET - HIRSCHFANGER PRESENTATION TYPE
This is a fine example of a WWI HIRSCHFANGER presentation bayonet. The blade is finely engraved on both sides and at the top.
There are no marks present in the scabbard. The overall length of the bayonet is 24 3/4". With a blade measuring
approximatelly 19 1/2". The overall condition of the piece is very good. The leather of the scabbard shows some
wear but remains very nice. The belt attachment appears to be slightly bent.
GENERAL CONSTRUCTION
The construction of the Hirschfanger bayonet consists of a brass handle. One side has multiple
grooves cut into the surface. The other side is perfectly smooth. The side with the grooves
also has the remnants of the spring loaded mechanism that releases the bayonet when it is
affixed to the rifle. However, one interesting aspect about this bayonet is that it cannot be
attached to a rifle because it does not have the lugnut guide.
The pommel is in a "dove" head style. The cross guard is of silver metal construction. One
side angles upwardly while the second side angles downwardly. This produces an effect that
is very pleasing to the eye. A piece of oval felt material is placed at the bottom of the
crossguard. It is red in color. This softens the connection between the crossguard and
scabbard whent the bayonet is in its sheath.
|
The scabbard is of leather construction with brass fittings, one in the throat area and one in
the tip.
One side in the throat section has a frog hook. It is circular in shape and has some ridging
and tapering to make it more attractive. The tip section is affixed to the scabbard by a single
staple. The end of the tip has a small ball. This is a design that was caried over to most of
the blades of the Third Reich.
This page is a recognition and identification guide for German bayonets. Multiple
detailed photos of a specific sample are provided. Descriptions point out specific
points that should be noted.
One of the most commonly asked questions is "How much is my German bayonet worth?".
A price guide is included here to address this question. The value of the Nazi bayonets is
reviewed over a period of several years. A trend can be observed. The present worth
of the police sword in the collector's market is illustrated.
This service is provided free of charge to the visitor/enthusiast courtesy of
MilitaryItems.com,
a company dedicated
to the preservation of military history and to providing quality military antiques and
collectibles to museums, institutions and the general public.
|
|
Note the presence of the barrel ring. Although the bayonet cannot be attached to a rifle
since it is designed for social uses rather than combat.
BLADE ETCHINGS |
The blade is highly decorated with a large variety of designs. Among them you find images of
swords, crowns. musical instruments, leafing and more. One section has the following words
displayed "U. Reich F. Kaiser M. Gott".
Of particular interest notice the German spike helmet on the right hand side of the etching.
Very reminiscent of the WWI period.
|
Many German edge weapons are currently
reproduced.
It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because
the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with
the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this item.
Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of
the collectible.
If you have an interest is seeing other edge weapons of the Third Reich, you can do so by going
to our
WWII German daggers and Swords
identification guide, Where we cover blades from the Heer (Army), Navy (Kriegsmarine), Air Force
(Luftwaffe) and other organizations.
|