German, WW2, German Army K98 Long Dress Parade Bayonet & Scabbard by Eickhorn Solingen, Souvenired Hamburg 1945 to Pioneer Cpl. Charles Humphries (13064614)
*German, WW2, German Army K98 Long Dress Parade Bayonet & Scabbard by Eickhorn Solingen, Souvenired Hamburg 1945 to Pioneer Cpl. Charles Humphries (13064614)*
Private purchase long model German Army dress bayonet of the Third Reich period, retaining a 24.5 cm nickel/silver-plated blade with broad central fuller to each side and an excellent bright finish. The blade is single-edged and remains very clean with strong reflective polish, showing only light handling marks and no notable staining or sharpening damage.
The hilt has plated fittings with a characteristic bird-beak pommel, forward-curving quillon and black chequered bakelite grip scales, securely held in place by two dome-headed rivets. The press-stud locking mechanism remains present within the pommel slot, typical of K98-pattern dress bayonets.
The ricasso is crisply marked with the Original Eickhorn Solingen squirrel trademark, confirming manufacture by one of the best-known and most respected German edged-weapon makers of the period.
The accompanying steel scabbard retains its original form and carries a hand-painted inscription reading “ARMY SOUVENIR • 1945 • HAMBURG • TO C. HUMPHRIES”, with service number 13064614 also painted to the reverse. The cellophane wrapping appears to have been applied post-war as a protective measure, likely by the veteran himself, helping to preserve the writing and finish.
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 24.5 cm. Overall length: 37 cm.
Historical Note:
This German Army dress bayonet was brought back as a personal war souvenir by Charles Humphries (Service No. 13064614) of the British Pioneer Corps, the provenance being confirmed by the hand-painted inscription to the scabbard reading “Army Souvenir • 1945 • Hamburg • To C. Humphries”, together with his service number.
The Pioneer Corps played a vital role in the final advance into Germany and the subsequent occupation period, undertaking engineering, labour, transport and clearance duties in recently liberated and occupied areas. Humphries’ medal entitlement — 1939–45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal and War Medal — firmly places him within the North-West Europe campaign and confirms operational service during the closing stages of the war.
The inscription indicates the bayonet was acquired in Hamburg in 1945, during the immediate post-war occupation when Allied troops commonly retained German military items as souvenirs. Humphries remained in service after the cessation of hostilities, only being discharged on 25 January 1946, giving a clear and credible timeframe for the acquisition and preservation of this piece.
During the Third Reich period, numerous German blade manufacturers produced customised private-purchase versions of the K98 bayonet intended specifically for dress wear rather than combat service. These dress bayonets were typically produced in two sizes — the longer enlisted pattern, as seen here, with a blade of approximately 24.5 cm, and a shorter version of around 20 cm intended for NCOs and officers. Parade bayonets such as this were prized for their high-polish finish and presentation quality, making them highly desirable souvenirs for Allied servicemen at the end of the war. The apparent veteran-applied cellophane covering to the scabbard further suggests an early attempt to preserve the painted inscription and the personal memory attached to the piece.
*Condition*
Blade in superb condition with near-mirror finish, crisp maker’s mark and minimal wear. Hilt fittings show light age toning and minor surface spotting consistent with age. Grip scales secure with honest service wear. Scabbard structurally sound with period painted inscription intact; light oxidation beneath the protective cellophane wrapping, which appears old and likely veteran-applied. Overall a highly displayable and evocative example with strong personal provenance. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
WWII German Eickhorn Army parade bayonet, beautifully preserved, souvenired in Hamburg in 1945 by British Pioneer Corps veteran Charles Humphries — a superb personal bring-back piece with painted wartime inscription.
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*We also reserve the right to cancel the transaction with a full refund if there is any suspicion that the provided item will be used in any way contrary to the laws and legislation of UK.
