A brief article I wrote a number of years ago on request. Hope this helps a little.
An Essay on Miniature Bayonets
Just as small but not as glamorous as miniature daggers, miniature bayonets* hold there own in regard to construction and (to a lesser extent) desirability. Their attractiveness can be attiributed to both a relative abundance (comparatively speaking) and a price well below miniature daggers. Where an average Army may range from $350 to $1500 depending on maker and blade embellishments, a bayonet, even with a stag grip will seldom exceed $400. This fact alone makes them appealing to many, as it allows enthusiasts to further their collections even with limited funds. As with miniature daggers, they afford collectors flexibility, both because of their diminutive size and as with other miniatures, some collectors elect to compliment a regulation dagger via a side by side display, always an impressive technique. Some even opt to use them as functional devices, i.e., letter openers sitting casually on ones desk akin to their use 60 years ago. Prices and availability aside, miniature bayonets and daggers have similar qualities. Unquestionably the most common element between the two is their purpose. As with daggers they served frequently as small tokens of accomplishments (shooting awards), gifts from military personnel or family showing unit affiliation, recognizing artistic professions (e.g., musicians, painters) or merely as advertising strategy. The most notable difference is the absence of marked blades with bayonets. Although the array of makers is varied, the actual number marked is surprisingly few. Not wishing dawdle on construction characteristics, I would would like to note the following more distinctive features occasional found encountered.
Grips: checkered Bakelite grips plates, with and without simulated lugs, with and without rivets, all metal grip
Blades: plated blades, blood grooves
Scabbards: flat style, anodized, painted
Markings: Imperial Crown, basic Panzer, Infantry, and Artillery etching on pommels, Maltese cross
Rare: Stag Grips, working lugs, wood grip, slots for rifle mounting, form fitted case
Fakes: police emblem, nicely stitched blackfrog, Crown F over an N
Portepees with unit colors
Reason to collect: compliment a regulation piece, nice display, something to do at shoes when $$$ ar scarce,
* bay�o-net, n.: [Fr. Bayonette; so called because the first bayonets were made at Bayonna, France.]. German Clamshells and Other Bayonets, R. J. Weinland, 1985.
Me Fecit Solingen pages 212
