Buyer beware!! I keep an eye out on a couple of auction sites in Germany that pop up some okay stuff from time to time. They also post some pretty good fakes. First is a Seilheimer fake - with what looks to be an Eickhorn etch on it. Unlike the Seilheimer fakes of old the makers mark on this is in the correct direction, although it looks to be double stamped. I cant tell if that is an original double strike or not. The washers on both are also worthwhile noting

The 2nd is a Boker. This maker mark has been popping up on a heap of fakes coming out of Europe lately, predominantly on Rad Hewers but now appearing on bayonets, Heer and Luftwaffe daggers. The etch is by Klaas and from a distance is pretty good

That is one nice etch.. a couple of small differences, but if on the right blade, it would fool a lot of people.

The maker mark is a dead give away.

John

Dear Sturmbrigade, good looking out!!! By John Z saying these would fool a lot of people IMO would be an understatement. I dare say by you posting these pics you've saved some newer collectors some money. The s#%theads turning these out are really doing the hobby a real disservice. On behalf of the etched bayonet collecting community, Thank you!!

Best wishes,

Mat J

The original for comparaison.

Guys,
In the first example, Couldn't be an Eickhorn etch....cuz Eickhorn NEVER used that kind of Eagle. That was used only by Holler.

Wayne:

As usual, you are spot on.

J

A quick remark, and I haven't looked over the entire example.
Anyone who has studied etched dress bayonets knows that this
could not be an Eickhorn etch cuz Eickhorn never used this
Eagle example. This was used only on F.W.Holler pieces. Stated
on page 28 of my book Holler did sell to Paul Seilheimer.

Wait a minute - you're THE Wayne H. Techet?

I need to pay more attention - I've read a number of your posts and never put 2 and 2 together.

I even have a copy of your book sitting on my bedside table.

Thanks Sturm and THE Wayne. Very helpful post that will save collectors money.

Dave

PS - Darren - I don't think there are many fake Waynes around

Hopefully not. ;-)

Thanks for the warning. It has seemed to me for quite a while that the ordinary "beater" dress bayonets were not as common as they used to be. Now I know that the fakers have not been sleeping and have been busy at work to make their enhanced versions more convincing. Best Regards, Fred