Fallschirmjager 2 Etched Bayonet

[AndyB]

I would presonally compare the etch with other LW Klaas etch, similar and same LW eagle, side by side, then made any conclusions, because from this quality of photos is not visible details.b.r.Andy

[Frogprince]

I would presonally compare the etch with other LW Klaas etch, similar and same LW eagle, side by side, then made any conclusions, because from this quality of photos is not visible details.b.r.Andy

Having seen the other LW etch you are making a reference to I'm in 100% agreement. With the photos from the subject bayonet posted not bad, but not early as good as the higher resolution type mentioned. Adding to the multiple issues that IMO have only been relatively lightly touched on so far that are important in making a realistic determination. Best Regards, Fred

[Frogprince]

As a general matter (irrespective of the validity of the etchings themselves being of the period or just some more postwar copies) one of the questions that prospective purchasers IMO should ask themselves with unit marked bayonets is this: A carryover tradition from the Imperial era, in peacetime there was some stability with soldiers (or airman etc.) being in a particular unit. But starting with the mobilizations period and especially during wartime it got very, very, chaotic with transfers and units dissolved, recreated, renamed or re-allocated etc. etc. which is easily proven using basic period sources. FP

[Mat J]

Well, I have to first off say that one of my biggest mistake in high school was taking Spanish instead of German. This thread was a huge eye opener when it comes to the use of German language and how and when it was used in the dedication on KS98's. You guys who possess this knowledge are in a league all your own.

Comments so far with regards to John Z's bayonet and the use of word division within the etch and placement as it being one word really makes me want to take a couple steps back and reevaluate where I need to improve as a collector.

My hats off to you collectors whom know and understand the use of German grammar/spelling and the time frame from which it was used. As a collector, it has definitely repositioned my self as a etched bayonet collector from one "knows more than some" right back down to "novice"

I already put in my two cents on another forum about this etch. From what I know or at least from what I think I know, this etch IMO is 100% correct. And with all that Mr. Techet said about the bayonet being purchased as a gift just makes perfect sense. With regards to the scabbard and frog, well, that I don't believe is why John bought this one of a kind Fallschirmjäger etch.

AndyB made an excellent point. Which was to compare this to other Klaas etches. I own a few etches, but not a ton of Klaas Luftwaffe pieces. The bookends IMO are spot on, borders are great, and the font looks correct. With the newer pics that John took, I think it helped out a lot.

With that said, something caught my eye! Its probably nothing on account there are all sort of tiny variations to a lot of etches that were produced. All (that I have seen) Klaas eagles have just a touch of breast feathering detail. From John's pics, I'm not seeing this detail. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing! It was just an observation and the feathering detail is most likely missing on account this was special order piece and not a cookie cutter piece that was made in large batches. I hope to some day own some of these one of kind etched pieces. Congrats John on another great piece and thanks for sharing.

Best wishes,

Mat J

[Frogprince]

Well, I have to first off say that one of my biggest mistake in high school was taking Spanish instead of German. This thread was a huge eye opener when it comes to the use of German language and how and when it was used in the dedication on KS98's. You guys who possess this knowledge are in a league all your own.

Comments so far with regards to John Z's bayonet and the use of word division within the etch and placement as it being one word really makes me want to take a couple steps back and reevaluate where I need to improve as a collector.

My hats off to you collectors whom know and understand the use of German grammar/spelling and the time frame from which it was used. As a collector, it has definitely repositioned my self as a etched bayonet collector from one "knows more than some" right back down to "novice"

I already put in my two cents on another forum about this etch. From what I know or at least from what I think I know, this etch IMO is 100% correct. And with all that Mr. Techet said about the bayonet being purchased as a gift just makes perfect sense. With regards to the scabbard and frog, well, that I don't believe is why John bought this one of a kind Fallschirmjäger etch.

AndyB made an excellent point. Which was to compare this to other Klaas etches. I own a few etches, but not a ton of Klaas Luftwaffe pieces. The bookends IMO are spot on, borders are great, and the font looks correct. With the newer pics that John took, I think it helped out a lot.

With that said, something caught my eye! Its probably nothing on account there are all sort of tiny variations to a lot of etches that were produced. All (that I have seen) Klaas eagles have just a touch of breast feathering detail. From John's pics, I'm not seeing this detail. What does that mean? Absolutely nothing! It was just an observation and the feathering detail is most likely missing on account this was special order piece and not a cookie cutter piece that was made in large batches. I hope to some day own some of these one of kind etched pieces. Congrats John on another great piece and thanks for sharing.

Best wishes,

Mat J

Mat, When it was originally posted on GDC I did not see the thread. Unlike initially on GDC, it got a less than positive review here and was reposted on GDC. Where some things were pointed out that have not as yet been answered like much better images (in both threads) to compare with a reasonably well established original. Fakes/copies being just that - with some just better than others. And it's not just the supposed quality of an etch for better or worse that's an issue - to ignore the content is not exercising the best judgment when looking at all of facts at hand as we know them now (IMO).

So what might be some of the other concerns with a so-called “gift” bayonet. Among the things it was (elsewhere) stated that the (fake) frog as well as the scabbard: "2. The Frog as well as the Scabbard were PURCHASED by the Klaas firm" - in which universe did that happen?? The 1943 date being problematic which apparently was also a concern for JohnZ: 1) It was during a time when a soldier (or airman) had no certainty where he was going or if he might be reassigned somewhere else. The Regiment of that name sent to France from Russia to rest and recover, and in the process being reconstructed as a Division - just look at the Soldbuchs, or Orders of Battle, unit histories of that time. 2) It was also after Solingen had for most practical purposes shut down the commercial side of its operation, Herder in 1943 making 12X,XXX service bayonets (numbers subject to adjustment). So at the end of the day it’s either a carefully put together fake “package” - or it’s not - with JohnZ the one who is going to make the decision on what he wants to do with the information he now has or can further research. Regards, Fred