Unmarked commercial

[Jling]

I have been offered this unmarked bayonet with a rifle I'm buying. Is this a later war commercial bayonet? The frog looks different than any I have seen. It appears there aren't any rivets and is made of pigskin. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated.

 

[AndyB]

Yes it should be latewar piece, probably 1943 or early 44, wood grips are not so obvious on similar pieces, the grind speaks for Hoerster. Frog should be for extra bayonet KS98

 

[Jling]

Thanks Andy. The seller is asking $300 is that a fair price?

 

[AndyB]

I am not good in prices, anyway the inflation and other points are increasing the prices, so the price is probably a high end, only for interested collector, not for buying it for forward selling. The condition is ok, when not sharpened so i dont see major problem from this 3 pictures, the dress frog when period could brings 50/60 USD.

 

[Slash]

The bayonet is by E u F Hörster as mentioned by Andrej. In my opinion the finish and machining is earlier than 1943 - '44. Wooden grips speak to this as well. $300 asking price is fair but bordering toward high market ....

 

[AndyB]

Could be too very late 1942, anyway wood grips were used by Hoerster in same period as bakelit ones. The right ricasso looks some damage same as on the right fuller, is possible the piece was diverted from normal Heer contract to Behoerden because of lower quality of blade, or not fullfilling tolerances. We should see better photos on other colored background.

 

[Slash]

Yes, wood and phenolic grips were used by Hörster in the same years but the quality here is better as is the finish as noted on the scabbard and the bayonet. The blade blank markings would better date the piece if available.

 

[Jling]

Thanks guys. I decided to pass on it. It was offered with a drp banner so an earlier one would probably be more ideal to go with it.