Short KS/98 Bayonet w/Scarce Single-Etched Blade, Frog & Portepee. P and S on either side of Sword hilt above Solingen (Paul Seilheimer) TM. An example of this scarce etch pattern appears on page 203 of German Etched Dress Bayonets 1933-1945 by Wayne H. Techet. Nickel-plated hilt fittings show only faint surface wear with no lifting to the pommel or crossguard. Pommel slot is complete with original red felt plug. Black bakelite grip plates are perfect with no cracks or chips. Plated blade measuring 19.8cm in length grades EX++/Near MINT showing faint surface wear/runner marks with a few faint gray specks, but no lifting or nicks to cutting edge, and is complete with original brown leather buffer pad. Obverse blade features an etch pattern which appears in the undated Paul Seilheimer sales catalog as "Ausführung Nr.2", with standard remembrance motto, "Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit" flanked by oak leaf sprigs and an open-wing Wehrmacht eagle at the tip end and a first pattern Luftwaffe eagle closest to the ricasso. The etched panel retains 100% of the light gray background frosting. The dent-free, steel scabbard retains approximately 98% of the original black enamel showing light surface wear/minor crazing with no damage to the lower ball. The brown leather bayonet frog grades EX++ showing minor wear/age, but no damage to stitching, and is complete with EX++ yellow/red/yellow (7th Company) portepee. EX++ (26044) $685. SOLD