UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons The BCN Bayonet Forum Eickhorn short dress bayonet

Just thought I'd post a couple pics here. Nice plated blade. Anyone know why the blade would be in near perfect condition while the hilt is worn? I know it's a dress bayo, but why would any of it be worn at all, weren't they just used for ceremonies only? Aging from storage maybe? Anyone have a guess at the year? Thanks!

Just a guess but I'd say the blade is in nice shape because it staying in the scabbard for many years & was stored in a relatively dry place. The hilt, on the other hand, suffers from later production quality IMHO. I have a number of bayonets that are pristine but for the apparent poor quality of plating around the hilt. A shame but a good reflection of the how the tides of war affect industry in a given country. As far as time frame, that Eickhorn mark was used between '35-'41 so I'd say this particular piece would come from the latter portion of that time drame.

Spacey

The environment where the bayonet has been stored all these years will determine the type of damage that has been done to the bayonet.

Attic-Leather will be dry and sometimes will have melted into the grip panels

Basement-Rust, lots of rust

Hanging on the wall of a smoker-Yellow tint on pommel

Open and handled over the years-The oils and or moisture from hands can lead to rust, gray spots

Some of the above problems can be helped, but be careful. You can do more damage if not carful.

This is how bad it can get.

One more question, this one has a piece of red felt where it would have attached to the gun. It this to prevent aging? Should I just leave it in?

Below is a quote from George Wheeler

According to Eickhorn the following colored felt inserts wre provided for their KS98:

Wehrmacht (generic military) = red
J�ger-Formation = green
Fliegertruppen = golden yellow
Flieger-Aufsichstruppen = green
Flieger-Nachrichtentruppen = brown
Flak-Formationen = red

As Terry (& George W.) mentioned, the felt is to signify the branch of service the wearer was in. Although these bayonets had slots, yours was a dress bayonets & not intended to affix to a rifle. I would say leave the felt plug as is.

Thanks.