Rare Etched Fireman’s Bayonet by Horster – D734

A fireman’s dress bayonet is one of the most common and inexpensive edged weapons that a collector will encounter. But the one in this offering is quite the opposite, and special in it’s own right. Not only does the company logo denote one of the earliest trademark that we will see associated with the E F Horster edged weapon firm, but the blade etch shows that this bayonet was actually given as an award for a fireman’s competition during the Weimar era. This perhaps is the early dated fireman’s bayonet that we know of to date, attributed to this organization.

The grip plates to this bayonet are in decent shape, being trimmed, fitted, and tightly riveted to the spine. Abet for the reverse plate, as you can see a crack in the Bakelite, running from the rivet to the quillion. In lieu of that, the grip plate is tight and sound to the hilt, void of any movement.  Though the crossguard and pommel has some lifting and bubbling to the plated surfaces, it’s not all that horrible to speak of. This hilt is exactly what we see with it’s counterpart in the 3rd Reich version, which followed shortly after this edged weapon was produced. Moving to the scabbard, it is the typical standard dress bayonet variety. With the exception of some surface oxidation around the frog lug, the black period enamel remains strong at 90%. And finally what this bayonet is all about, the blade. And what an absolute beauty it is! Full length and with gorgeous heavy plating, this blade rates a full mint. In the center the frosted panel recognizes that this bayonet as an award piece given out in 1931. The super early Horster trademark can be seen on the obverse riccasso just below the crossguard. An exceptional and rare, Weimar etched fireman’s bayonet. For both the fireman’s bayonet maker collector, as well as an etched blade collector, this truly would be a highlight piece for their collection!   $2500.00