Chris Boonzaier

Could it have been modified for a German rifle? As an Ersatz Bayonet?

That is very probable. I have a framed set where a normal CdG was flattened on the back to make it fit well on the frame. I think many, maybe even most Fench Vets after WW1 had a special framed set for the wall as well as their wearing medals.

I dunno whats wrong with me.... I have been collecting for almost 4 decades.... and have never had a Godet marked bar...... is that simply fate.... ?

This guy Zachariah Fike seems to be pretty devisive? The Press seems to love him, but the collectors seem to hate him? The Press seems to think he is a hero, reuniting lost medals with families and stopping eveil collectors from buying them but getting laws passed forbidding their sale Collectors seems to think he is using his "fame" to gather a collection, knowing only a tiny portion will ever find their way to the families (who may have sold them in the first place), Also claims that he abuses his position by accepting donations etc, which will probably never leave his filing cabinets... and that he is building a collection, while at the same time trying to get laws passed to forbid the sale of medals... Basically the MArtin Shkreli of the collecting world.... Any thoughts? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-5c1940d8-5f8f-4fd4-ac12-e216184a9a72

Hi, is this guy in the Reichswehr? Or Police? Or just made up for the Photo? Thanks Chris

The front has no connection to the unit... but this is pretty cool....

Do they count as ersatz bayonets? Best Chris

Sorry, here you go.....

Am I seeing right here? A Prussian with the Bavarian 8th R.D. Badge? He seems to have 364 on the shoulder boards.... Best Chris

Very interesting bayonets! I like them a lot!

Hi, I am guessing they were quickly put on for studio photos Best Chris

I found another one!!!

Fantastic! have to love these citations! fantastic research possibilities!

That is a very nice little group indeed!!! And on the Somme in 1916!

Hi, what do you recon the pictured one is worth? All the best Chris

Agreed, but the number is just as unfitting for any european based units. Given the fact that most German WW1 Militaria that was floating around South Africa 20-40 years ago had a colonial connection, especially bayonets, had a colonial connection, I think chances are way better it has a colonial collection. I remember 2 KS98s we used to throw in the garden, There is no way of proving anything, but the chances tilt towards it being a GSWA bringback... they were the standard souvenier for South African soldiers back then.

Dont have to be mighty to call that one! it is self authenticating! :-) Nice bar!

Hi, Is there a difference in cut between these and Army ones? The only reference I have for Feld Division was one Bill Shea had years ago, it had a blue backed eagle and the gulls directly on the collar. But HG is of course cooler :-) That would a tunic like this be worth without badges? Best Chris

Hi Daron, usually they have the slot, I cannot make it out on your photo if it is lacking? Best Chris

Hi, I understand that this one nevr had insignia. Best Chris

Here is a nice 3rd Jäger set.....

Ages ago I used to have one of these with a LW eagle, now a friend has one from a LW source.... does anyone know anything about these?

Hi, On this September 1914 Photo of Bavarian Leib Regt soldiers 2 wear the buckle on the left hand side? Is this a police buckle or maybe a pre war experiment? Thanks Chris

I am going to go out on a limb kere and say that no matter what the stamp is, it is very probably still Schutztruppe. My reasoning is, these bayonets are scarce. Schtztruppe bayonets used to be easy to find in South Africa. If a KS98 is found in South Africa it is way more likely to be from GSWA than from the European theater, and the numbering is also not one used by a Europe based Unit... So taking into account that the numbering is not really usual for GSWA OR Europe... but that the chances of finding one of these in South Africa to a colonial unit are waaay bigger than finding one to a Europe based unit... I think (without proof) that it is pretty likely to be GSWA with some kind of unusual numbering (Maybe early before they used the KS prefix?

Is there anything more on the crossguard? Like a KS?