I know the fire/police used this style dagger but I've never seen one with the eagle to the handle apart from the fire dress dagger but that has a wooden handle. Is this likely to be original or could it be something done after? Blade is unmarked.
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Grip looks plastic to me. You occasionally see an Imperial Dress bayo or a very early HJ with wood grips but never seen a Fire bayo with one.
My guess is the eagle is a post production addition by a zealous previous owner, when done? Who knows, but you would be hard pressed to convince anyone here it is period.
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That's my thoughts also, especially because the eagle is raised above the handle like its stuck on rather than being built into it, because who would want to hold it with a raised eagle, wouldn't be comfortable. I know its a bayonet but just doesn't seem like something they would do from that period.Last edited by gooner90; 09-28-2015, 03:29 PM.Comment
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As we know, all original period bayonets with insignia on the grips are pinned on. Therefore, the best test is for an x-ray from the top to confirm internal pinning of insignias.
If you have a good relationship with your dentist, he can easily do this service.
My guess is that it is a post war application IMO.Comment
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thanks ron, it isn't mine. I've seen it for sale but don't think I'll pursue it as I haven't seen another example with the insignia like it.Comment
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As with any standard bayonet that has a grip emblem, the temptation has always been there for someone to add value to an otherwise routine item. As Ron says, if you get it x-rayed, you'll know for sure if it's period or not. I suspect the emblem was added post-1945.
What galls me is someone took an otherwise nice fire bayonet rig & ruined it IMHO.Comment
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I agree ron, that's happened to a lot of perfectly fine helmets in the past also with repaints and added decals etc.Comment
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