UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons The BCN Bayonet Forum Dress 98/05 with cypher and inspector marks

Hi guys,

I came across this dress E&F Horster bayonet and I was wondering if it came from the factory plated or if it was a custom job. What makes it unusual is that it looks like an issued combat piece in that it's fully marked with a date and cypher on the spine and inspection marks on the hilt. It appears unused. The unmarked scabbard has a nice blue finish that doesn't show any wear from a frog and the grips have some lacquer on them. Interestingly, the scabbard only has one runner and the blade only shows runner marks on one side, so I think it's always been that way. Has anyone seen a plated Horster like this before, or any other plated 98/05's with cyphers and inspection marks? All comments welcome, thanks.

Anyone?

Hello

I think this bayonet was nickel platted to make a dress bayonet. Very nice !!! It is not the first time that we can see standars bayonets (71/84, 84/98, 98/05..) in this configuration.
regards
Alain

Hi Alain,

Thanks for the reply. Do you have any examples you could share? I'd love to see some more examples if anyone has a fully marked, plated piece that they're willing to post.

While dress bayonets are not uncommon, in my experience they're usually made as dress bayonets from the beginning and are for private purchase. They typically only have a manufactures' mark on them if marked at all, not inspection marks, cyphers, dates, etc. as a combat piece has.

Cheers

Hi
Most of the dress bayonets are made as you say but a few are made from standard bayonets. Sorry I don' collect dress bayonets. I can only show you one I have one which is from the weimar era.
Regards
Alain

Interesting piece Alain, thanks for posting. I get the impression yours was plated after it had been worn a while, maybe in the Wiemar period as you say. I've seen a few of those and the "bubba" jobs done after the war, but I don't recall seeing a plated combat piece in mint condition. I'm curious to know if they ever left the factory plated and with full marks.