Description
Ch.A.W., (Chromolit-Besteckfabrik, Arthur Wingen, Solingen) TM. As stated on page 91 of The Sword and Knife Makers of Germany 1850-2000 by the late Anthony Carter, “Staghorn gripped knives were produced marked Ch.A.W. on one side, and Waffen-Loesche Berlin (qv), the distributor, on the reverse. These knives are said to have been worn by Luftwaffe NCO’s assigned to forestry duties.” A photograph and description of this pattern bayonet appear on pages 176 & 177 of Seitengewehr: History of the German Bayonet 1919-1945 by George T. Wheeler. Polished steel hilt, spine and flat, oval crossguard show very light surface wear and no damage and features matching number to frog “563” stamped on reverse crossguard. Medium brown stag grip plates are perfect with no cracks or chips and are retained by three nickel slotted screw bolts. Polished steel blade measuring 20cm in length grades EX+/EX++ showing only faint runner marks and some minor sharpening. Reverse ricasso is distributor stamped, “Waffen-Loesche, Berlin” and is complete with dark brown leather blade buffer pad. The spine of the blade is stamped with the letter “H”. Dent-free steel scabbard retains approximately 94% of the original black enamel. Bayonet is complete with matching brown leather, double-stitched frog in EX++ condition which is also stamped “563” to reverse. The most in demand bayonet on the market today!
