Memorabilia

Imperial German WWI Bayonet Lot: S.14 by Bayard and Metal Ersatz Bayonet

Two Imperial German WWI bayonets.  First example is a scarce S.14 bayonet by Bayard of Liège Belgium.  43cm (16-7/8") overall; blade in good condition has a few light blemishes, with the square-end fullers associated with Bayard produced S.14 bayonets; ricasso has maker knight on horseback trademark with "BAYARD", spine has Imperial inspection stamp.  Hilt has oval crossguard with short muzzle rest.  Two-piece wood scale grips show normal light wear.  Hilt has moderate pitting on the pommel and guard.  Scabbard has blackened finish.  Orders for the Seitengewehr 1914 were placed in October / November 1914 when the Kaiser's Army was scrambling to acquire an estimated one million extra bayonets to equip the rapidly expanding ranks.

Second is a simple metal hilt ersatz bayonet; 43cm (~17") overall with an unfullered blade that shows light age spots throughout.  Hilt has crossguard with open top muzzle ring and a crown over "W" marking on the side.  Scabbard has plumb patina where it was exposed and traces of feldgrau finish visible where it was once protected by a belt frog.  $200 - $300

Includes example by Hugo Köller, 17cm (10-3/4") overall with 'coffin' style two-piece wood grips and contoured oval steel guard.  Blade is nice with maker stamp near the ricasso, retains original leather scabbard washer, and has light age spots.  Scabbard is also nice, metal portion retains 60% black painted finish blending with patina, with brown leather belt loop and retaining strap closing with a steel 'Prym' snap.  

Second example is by Ernst Busch: 18cm (11-1/8") overall, double-edged blade with a few light age spots, steel guard, and contoured wood two-piece grip scales which retain traces of black painted finish.  Steel scabbard has 50% black finish blending with patina, suspended from a simple brown leather belt loop with no provision for a retaining strap.  $200 - $300

Imperial German WWI S.98 Bayonet Lot of Two w/ Rare Early Wrap-Around Grip

Two Imperial German S.98 bayonets, both from Erfurt Arsenal.  First is a rather nice example of the early version of this bayonet which incorporated a single piece wrap-around grip.  These were prone to breaking and were discontinued after just a few years of production.  68cm (25-5/8") overall, fullered quillback blade in nice condition with light scattered age spots, crown and "ERFURT" marking on the ricasso, Prussian crown proof and "01" date on the spine.  Hilt has darker patina.  Walnut grip is stained from use but does not exhibit any of the common cracks or damage that prompted an adjustment to the design of the S.98.  Crossguard and scabbard throat have mismatched unit markings.  The bayonet is marked to JR 52; the scabbard to JR 57.  Scabbard remains in good condition with stitching intact, though age constriction of the leather leaves a short closure gap with the bayonet.

Second S.98 is also from Erfurt; 65cm (25-1/2"), fullered blade in good condition with light sharpening marks, spine has Prussian crown proof with "07" date.  Hilt has light age patina, the updated two-piece walnut scale grips, and Imperial inspection marks on the pommel.  Scabbard has gray patina and age spots on the metal fittings, leather is nice with stitching intact.

$200 - $300

First is the etsatz style steel hilt combination trench knife bayonet 25cm (9-3/4") overall - looks GREAT displayed in the scabbard, but when removed you realize that this was a well-loved knife, as it has been sharpened down to the nubbins, with a dulled tip, dark gray patina interrupted by dark pits and blemished.  Ricasso has a crown over "3", no further markings on the piece.  Hilt has an iron crossguard with rearward swept quillon and sheet steel grip riveted together with a mortise and lug lock in the pommel.  Grip retains traces of feldgrau painted finish blending with patina.  Scabbard has 30% black painted finish, brown leather belt loop and broken retaining strap.  

Second example is a faux bayonet style trench knife; 26cm (10-1/4") overall, clip point blade with dark age spots and heavily sharpened, marked "NAHKAMPFER" (Close Combat) on the ricasso.  Hilt has rearward-swept quillon on the guard, checkered black horn grip scales, one of which is damaged and has a repair that is functional, if not quite aesthetically satisfactory.  Pommel has functional mortise and button.  Black painted steel scabbard has dark brown leather belt loop and Prym snap on the retaining strap.  $200 - $300

Fullered blade in excellent condition has only very light age spots.  Sawback spine has Prussian crown proof and "74" date; ricasso has "W.R. KIRSCHBAUM / SOLINGEN" arched maker stamp.  This example has brass hilt with functional press spring attachment.  Guard is marked to the Saxon 107th Infantry Regiment.  Black leather scabbard with brass throat and drag remains functional despite a fair amount of stitching that has given way; retains a black leather belt frog.  Throat and guard remain parted from a flush fit by 2-3mm due to leather constriction, throat reverse has matching Saxon Infantry Regiment 107 unit marking "107.R.1.138".  $200 - $300

Imperial German S.98/05  n/A Bayonet Lot: One Sawback & One Sawback Removed

Sawback S.98/05 has blade with some light age spots, sawtooth spine has an Imperial inspection proof but was not dated.  Ricasso has "Dürkoppwerke" large maker's logo stamp.  Hilt has darker patina, flashguard, and good two-piece walnut scale grips.  Complete with blued steel scabbard.

Second example is also by Dürkoppwerke, likely reworked in the Weimar era.  Blade retains 50% blued finish.  It has been sharpened extensively and has several noticeable nicks in the edge.  Sawback feature has been removed from the spine; any date or inspector marks were likely lost during this process.  Ricasso has "Dürkoppwerke" large maker's logo stamp.  Hilt has dark patina, flashguard, and good two-piece walnut scale grips.  Blued steel scabbard has ~30% finish blending with patina.  $200 - $300

First is Carter #3, 44cm (~17-1/8") overall, unmarked fullered blade in nice condition with just a few light age spots.  Hilt has stepped guard with open top dual use muzzle ring, marked with accountability number on one side, and retains traces of feldgrau painted finish blending with patina.  Includes dark steel scabbard made with lines along the sides in imitation of a leather scabbard.  

Second is Carter #47, 42.5cm (~16-3/4") overall, unmarked fullered blade in nice condition, pressed sheet steel hilt has rearward swept quillon, dual use open top muzzle ring, and grip which retains ~50% feldgrau painted finish.  Steel scabbard has a slightly different shade of feldgrau paint.

Third is Carter #34, 43cm (~16-15/16") overall, unmarked fullered blade has dark gray patina, with blemishes and age spots.  Steel hilt has guard with open top muzzle ring that is uniquely stepped backwards toward the muzzle, steel grip is rectangular in nature with flat sides.  Retains faint traces of feldgrau finish blending with dark patina.  Has accountability number stamped in the guard.  Scabbard is pressed sheet steel with pinched edges characteristic of those made by "FAG" (Friedrich August Göbel) or "SN" (Friedrich Herder A. Sn., Solingen).  This one shows no visible maker mark, but that may be obscured by an accountability or issue marking stamped on the back of the throat. $200 - $300

Imperial German WWI S.84/98 Bayonet Lot: Two Examples w/ One Sawback

First example is a nice S.84/98 bayonet has fullered blade in excellent condition.  Spine has Prussian crown proof and "17" date.  Ricasso has maker "Gebr Heller / Marienthal" maker stamp.  Pommel, guard, wood scale grips and flashguard are in the same good condition as the blade.   teel scabbard has 60% dark finish blending with patina, lighter where it was once protected by a frog.  Of this maker Carter notes "...the Heller brothers brothers produced both plain and saw-backed versions which were often undated.  A few S 84/98 mS recorded with the Erfurt Arsenal mark on the blades."  Bayonets by this firm are recorded from 1915 to 1917.  

Second is a similarly nice S.84/98 S. Sawback Bayonet by Gottlieb Hammersfahr.  Fullered sawback blade is in very good condition, spine has inspector proof, but no visible date.  Ricasso has "Gottlieb / Hammersfahr / Solingen . Foche" maker's stamp with logo.  Hilt has guard, flashguard and pommel with light age spots, walnut scale grips are also in nice shape.  Includes scabbard with Imperial proof on the frog stud, retains 80% blued finish.  $300 - $400

61cm (~24") overall, with single-edged blade that at some time in it's career has been incorrectly sharpened on both sides.  Iron hilt is cast with ribbed grip, crossguard is stamped with unit marking to the 121st Infantry Regiment, indicating issue after the army reforms of 1860 when the 3rd Württemberg was redesignated as JR 121.  The unit marking is matched on the frog stud fitting on the scabbard.  Black leather scabbard has iron throat and frog stud, with an internal concealed drag terminating in an external finial.  Leather and stitching remain intact and in good condition.  Complete with frog.  

According to Peter-Michel Wolfgang's excellent reference, in 1860, 12,847 examples of the Württemberg M1829 faschinenmesser were still in active service, with 852 in the Ulm depot and 5,251 in the arsenal.  "In the years following the Franco-Prussian war of 1870/71, the Württemberg infantry was converted to the new infantry rifle M.71, and the associated bayonet.  Thus, from this point on, the 1829 faschinenmesser was only issued to soldiers not armed with rifles during training.  However, some of these soldiers still carried it during the First World War.  $300 - $400

Sawback S.98/05 a/A has blade with a few minor age spots, sawtooth spine has an Imperial inspection proof and is dated 1914.  Ricasso has "V.C. SCHILLING / SUHL" maker stamp.  Hilt has darker patina, a/A style high muzzle rest, and no flashguard.  Walnut two-piece scale grips show light wear.  Complete with iron mounted black leather scabbard which remains in very nice condition.  

Second example has blade with light gray patina and areas of minor discolorations and light pitting.  Ricasso has "C.G. HAENEL / SUHL" maker stamp, spine has Prussian crown proof and is dated 1910.  Hilt has dark patina, a/A style high muzzle rest, and no flashguard.  Walnut two-piece scale grips show light wear and are stained dark.  Complete with iron mounted black leather scabbard which shows service dents but remains in overall good condition.  Age constriction on the leather has left a 2-3mm gap between guard and scabbard throat. $300 - $400

Imperial German Bayonet Lot: World War Ersatz Conversion of Prussian M1860 & Bavarian Dress 71/84

S.71/84 Bayonet Extra-Seitengewehr Dress Bayonet is has blade etched with decorative scrollwork and Bavarian motto, ricasso has Ricasso has Weyersberg, Kirschbaum, & Companie maker.  Unmarked spine.  Hilt has nickel finish with dark patina on the exposed areas where this finish has worn away, same on the scabbard fittings.  Black leather portion of the scabbard remains in good condition with stitching intact.

Wartime conversion of the Prussian Fusilier-Seitengewehr M1860 is of particular interest: 63.2cm (24-7/8") overall with quillback blade.  Ricasso has Prussian crown proof and "62" date, inspector proof on reverse.  The original cast brass hilt has been replaced with the hilt of a S.98 bayonet so that this blade could be mounted to weapons then in service.  Includes the correct original brass mounted black leather scabbard with unit marking to a Landwehr company of a field artillery regiment.  Stitching has given way on the back seam of the scabbard, but it remains functional.  The original unmodified version would be a scarce bayonet - the wartime ersatz conversion is doubly so, and a very interesting example!  $300 - $400

First example is classified in Anthony Carter's reference as example #53.  43.2cm (~17-1/16") overall, has unmarked fullered blade with dark patina, cast steel hilt in two halves brazed together and secured with two well-hidden rivets.  Hilt has contoured grip and is cast with diagonal ribs.  Has the open-top muzzle ring found on most ersatz bayonets that facilitates use with either the Gew.88 or Gew.98.  Includes steel scabbard with mild patina and only faint traces of a finish.  

Second is Carter #49, 43.1cm (~17") overall, unmarked fullered blade with dark patina and some minor blemishes, cast steel guard with open muzzle ring on a thick guard, marked with accountability number on the side, dual-use muzzle ring, and diagonal ribs cast into the grip.  Steel scabbard has dark patina and several large dents.  

Third is Carter #23, 44cm (~16-1/4") overall, unmarked fullered blade with dark gray patina, shows sharpening marks and blemishes.  Offset guard has dual use open muzzle ring, accountability number "3032" marked on the guard.  Includes steel scabbard with dark patina and traces of feldgrau finish.  $300 - $400

Imperial German Ersatz S.98/05 Bayonet Lot: Two Examples Including One Sawback

First is a particularly nice Ersatz S.98/05 Sawback bayonet classified in Anthony Carter's reference as example #42.  Ersatz bayonet with S.98/05 profile, 48cm overall with 36cm fullered sawback blade in very good condition with very light blemishes, has Imperial proof stamp on the spine and another (faint) one on the ricasso.  Cast steel hilt has diagonal groves along the grip portion, guard with 'double diameter' open top muzzle ring (for use on Gew.88 and 98) and a short forward-swept quillon.  Hilt has 70% field gray painted finish blending with patina.  Includes a standard 98/05 scabbard with blued finish blending with dark patina where worn. 

Second example is either #43 or #45 in Carter's reference; he specifically notes that the later examples were "so crudely finished and the fullers added so haphazardly that no two are identical."  This one definitely exemplifies the production quality that he was speaking of: blade is very poorly finished with lots of visible tool marks, gray steel patina with areas of pitting and blemishes throughout.  Cast steel hilt has darker gray patina, with a "K" making visible near the press stud.  Includes a standard 98/05 scabbard with dark patina and traces of blackened finish.  $400 - $500

17-5/8" overall, has tightly coiled spring shaft with a star mace pattern steel striker with maker initials "FKG", turned wood grip has metal ferrule and pommel cap, turned with ridges for grip and an inset channel for a leather retaining strap which is no longer present.    There are several chips and small insect holes in the wood handle, and oxidation on the spring and striker.  Nice mellow patina throughout.  We have always thought of these spring handle clubs as being Austrian devices; as the Austrians seemed to focus so much of their time and effort on building new and unique trench clubs.. but in his reference "At Arm's Length", author David Machnicki cites period photographic evidence of these clubs in use by German troops.   $600 - $800

Austro-Hungarian WWI M17 Trench Knife

M.17 close combat knife has 20.4 cm blade has gray patina with some scattered dark age spots and tool marks; ricasso has "Z" maker's stamp.  Hilt has straight oval crossguard, marked on the handle side with a small Austro-Hungarian eagle stamp, and two-piece wood scale grips which show normal dings and scuffs from field service.  Metal scabbard has feldgrau painted finish. 

$100 - $150

Austrian WWI Trench Mace: Original Head with Replacement Handle

55cm overall, cast iron striking head features eight small conical protrusions around the sides and one at the top, attached to the turned hardwood handle by round head wire nails.  The Austrians had a wide array of variant cast iron trench mace striking heads.  A number of these specific nine-point Austrian heads were discovered many years ago, all original, but they all magically 'grew' handles, some convincing, others somewhat less so.  I have had a few that I was thoroughly convinced had been together since before the guns fell silent, others that were clearly new to each other, and plenty more where you honestly just can't tell.  Having had a bunch of these over the years, I believe this is one from the cache of original striking heads, married up to a handle that is turned to pattern and aged to look old.

$200 - $300

French WWI Bayonets Lot of Three: Two Lebel and One Berthier

Two Lebel Model 1886/93/15 Bayonets, one with white metal alloy hilt and the other with the brass alloy hilt.  The brass alloy example has 52cm (20-3/8") quadrilateral blade blade with blued finish.  The white metal example has 52cm quadrilateral bladeblade finished bright; has pitting on the top of the muzzle ring.  Both complete with scabbards.

M1892 bayonet for the Mannlicher Berthier rifle; second pattern with the elongated muzzle ring, and wood scale grips.  Has blade which is fullered both on the sides and for a distance from the tip on the spine - in excellent condition, finished bright; ricasso is marked with inspector stamps.  Hilt has dark patina on the metal components, has hook quillon and two piece wood grips attached with slotted screw bolts.  Includes scabbard.

$200 - $300

18" overall, turned wood club has lead weighted striking end fitted with hobnails.  Handle end is fitted with a cloth lanyard.  The shaft has a British BroadArrow stamp near the hobnails on one side.  $300 - $500

The most well-liked and recognized of a series of daggers produced during the Great War by Robbins & Company, these were not issue items, but available for private purchase by soldiers serving at the front.  In the very personal, close quarters combat that characterized trench raids and other small unit actions on the Western Front, trench clubs, pistols, grenades, and close combat knives were particularly useful armaments.  The push or punch dagger by Robbins features a heavy cast alloy ergonomic pistol-style grip with a steel knuckle guard and a 4" double-sided blade with two small fullers.  The maker name was stamped into the base of the grip.  It has almost entirely worn to invisibility on this example, but you can still make out the first letter "R".  Example includes the very tattered remains of a scabbard.  $300 - $500

British WWI Robbins & Company of Dudley 3 Finger Knuckle Knife

This Robbins & Company fighting knife is one of the less often encountered variants, though no Robbins & Company knives could be accurately described as common. 8-7/8" in overall, with a 5-1/8" dagger blade. The blade is 7/8" wide at the base and tapers rapidly to a sharp double-edged dagger point. A pair of narrow fullers extend from the base, converging about 1" from the tip. The blade is cast directly into the aluminum hilt, which is contoured to fit the hand and has 4 finger grooves cast into it as well. A contoured steel knuckle guard is also cast into the hilt to protect the first 3 fingers of the hand holding the knife. The base of the aluminum hilt is cast wider than the balance of the hilt and is completely flat. Though marred and defaced from numerous impacts, the markings here remain legible: "ROBBINS / DUDLEY". Blade has light patina and age toning with some minor age discoloration and light surface oxidation, nothing significant or detrimental to display. The aluminum hilt has an even pewter gray color. Includes brown leather scabbard which remains in good pliable condition.  

$600 - $800

Belgian WWI Trench Combat Training Knife

A duplication of the Belgian M1889 (1915) trench close combat knife, except made with spring-loaded telescoping rod rather than a blade, with a medium density round rubber contact tip.  Gray metal guard retain traces of black painted finish.   You can definitely see that the Belgians were training exclusively for the stabbing attack.  A very interesting contextual item to add to a trench knife display.  

$100 - $150

Introduced in 1915, these were made with blades from M1889 bayonets and therefore designated by the Belgians as the M1889 Trench Knife.  This example has an 8" double-edged blade in good polish, ricasso with proof stamps on both sides and original leather scabbard washer, standard concave oval steel guard, and walnut one piece grip pierced at the pommel for a wrist strap, which remains.  Includes the correct blackened metal scabbard; functional, but has the attachment tab broken.  $150 - $250

59.2cm overall, with 46.3cm fullered sawback blade in good overall condition with areas of light pitting; ricasso has the scales with "A/C" German maker Alexander Coppel & Companie trademark stamp, with Belgian poinçons; opposite side also has inspection poinçons with "1888" date.  Hilt has steel guard with forward-swept quillon and spanner adjustable muzzle ring, cast brass grip and pommel with steel button and leaf spring attachment catch, inspector stamp on the pommel.  Guard has accountability number "V/4404".  References note that this bayonet will fit both the Comblain and Albini-Braendlin rifles, which replaced the Terssen.  Lacks scabbard.  $200 - $300

Belgian WWI Bayonet Lot: M1889 Short Knife Bayonet & M1916 Infantry Bayonet

Belgian M1899 Infantry Short Knife Bayonet has 29.5cm (11-5/8") fullered blade finished bright in very nice condition with just a few age blemishes.  Ricasso is unmarked.  Guard has hooked quillon and muzzle ring, marked on one side of the guard with accountability number "A1573".  Nice two-piece wood scale grips.  Includes brass mounted black leather scabbard with "1811" on the frog stud.  Leather shows age and wear but remains in good condition.  M1916 bayonet has17.5mm muzzle ring for use with the M1889 rifle, one-piece forged hilt identifies it as being made originally as a M1916 bayonet rather than a conversion. 57cm (22-3/8") overall, has 45cm (17-5/8") double-edge blade with medial ridge, in very good condition with 85% blued finish.  Hilt is also nice, marked with accountability number on the guard "130.1 Ch".  Walnut scale grips show light wear.  Scabbard has blackened finish, missing one throat screw. 

$200 - $300

French WWI Trench Weapon Lot: M1916 Trench Knife & ‘Clou Français’ Improvised Knife

M.1916 trench knife is 28cm overall with 17cm double-edged blade that is good overall with very light age toning and blemishes; ricasso has "Astier-Prodon Thiers" manufacturer's stamp with cloverleaf trademark.  Hilt has crossguard with one end bent forward, no doubt to achieve a better grip with the thumb, and a good one piece contoured walnut grip.  Steel scabbard has dark oxidation spots and light pitting.  There are better than a dozen different manufacturers of the M.1916 knife, making a quest for the different makers of this trench knife a favorite 'collection within a collection' pursuit for many of us! 

French WWI ‘Clou Francais’ trench knife which is 31.5cm (12-3/8") overall, fashioned from random scrap steel with a flat, dull blade suitable primarily for stabbing, has dark oxidized patina and shows pitting.  This is currently housed in an improvised wood scabbard. 

$200 - $300