Description
Long KS/98 Bayonet w/Single-Etched Blade, Retailer/Distributor Mark & Frog. No maker. Although unmarked, the etch pattern on this bayonet matches exactly a Robert Klaas example shown on page 250 of German Etched Dress Bayonets 1933-1945 by Wayne H. Techet. Nickel-plated hilt fittings show minor surface wear/age with minor spotting to hilt and a speck of o oxidation on the on the obverse upturned quillon. Pommel slot is complete with original red felt plug showing minor mothing. Black bakelite grip plates are perfect with no cracks or chips. Plated blade measuring 25.1cm in length grades EX++ showing light surface wear/runner marks but, no speckling or lifting and no nicks to the cutting edge. The reverse blade features a 5 ¾” long light gray frosted etch panel with the “potted plant” bookend borders as used by Klaas after 1938, flanking the three-line remembrance of service time inscription, “Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit bei der Panzer-Abwehr-Abteilung 42 Bad=Cannstatt” in raised Gothic letters. The etched panel retains 100% of the background frosting. The reverse ricasso is stamped with the name of the retailer, Joh. Hiller Bad Canstatt and blade is complete with black leather buffer pad. Kornwestheim is located just North of Stuttgart and Bad Constatt is located to the East of Stuttgart. Dent-free steel scabbard retains approximately 90% of the original black enamel showing uniform crazing to the obverse/reverse shell but, no damage to the lower ball. The black leather, double-stitched, single-reverse rivet frog shows uniform crazing to the patent leather finish but, no rips or tears to leather or damage to the stitching. The Nice Klaas produced, distributor marked example w/SCARCE blade etch. EX++ (26595) $735.00 HOLD
