Long KS/98 Bayonet w/Scarce Single-Etched Blade, Accountability Number & Frog. F. W. Höller, stamped thermometer within double-oval TM. A photograph of this scarce etch pattern appears on page 181 upper of German Etched Dress Bayonets 1933-1945 by Wayne H. Techet as, "a decorative F. W. Höller etch not shown in the 1941 Höller catalog." Nickel-plated hilt fittings show surface wear/age primarily to edges of pommel, but no lifting on spine or crossguard. Pommel slot is complete with dark green felt plug. The spine of hilt is non-jeweler etched with the accountability number, "145-10-858.7". Black bakelite grip platesare perfect with no chips/nicks or chips. Plated blade measuring 24.8cm in length grades EX++ showing minor runner marks with a few gray specks on ricasso and near obverse tip and two small gray spots on reverse cutting edge, but no nicks to and is complete with original black leather blade buffer pad. Obverse blade features an etched pattern consisting of raised oak leaf accents bordering a flowing, 3-section ribbon motif inscribed with a standard remembrance inscription, "Erinnerung an Meine Dienstzeit bei derPanzer Abw. 25. Kornwestheim." (Kornsestheim is just N of Stuttgart). Dent-free steel scabbard retains approximately 98% of the period repainted black enamel showing minor surface wear with specks of missing paint primarily to the right edge and lower obverse shell. Black leather, triple-stitched, 4-rivet frog grades EX+ showing light wear/age, but no rips or tears. Research in Das Deutsche Heer 1939 reveals that Panzerabsehrabteilung 25 was assigned to the 25th Division also garrisoned at Kornwestheim.. In his book, HITLER'S LEGIONS The German Army Order of Battle, World War II, Samuel W. Mitcham, Jr. states that, … "the 25th Infantry Division was formed in 1935 - 36 and was lightly engaged in Poland in 1939 and France in 1940. That autumn it was reorganized as a motorized unit and was sent to Russia in June 941, where it remained in the central sector for the next three years. It took heavy casualties in the Kursk offensive of July 1943 and heavy losses in the encirclement east of Minsk. Recalled to Germany for refitting, it was sent to the Western front after the German collapse in France. After the defeat of the Ardennes offensive it was sent to the East where it defended north of Berlin where it managed to escape to surrender to the English and Americans. Photocopies of Das Deutsche Heer 1939 and HITLER'S LEGIONS The German Army Order of Battle, World War II, are included with the bayonet. EX+EX++ (26225) $950. SOLD