WW2 German Czech S 24(t) Bayonet & Scabbard

[komet45]

I found this bayonet almost a decade ago and it has been a favorite in my collection ever since. It's not a perfect "textbook" example, but it still has some charm left too. The blade is correctly marked with the "Double Circle" CZ Povazska Bystrica factory mark and the corresponding "Eagle A80" Waffenamt stamp. Near the Waffenamt stamp the number "11" is also stamped. The scabbard appears to be a Pre-War Czech made example that has been re-throated so that the pommel press stud faces outward like German produced bayonets. The frog stud is clearly stamped "E3 Lion 37" and would appear to indicate Czech military acceptance. The area in which the original spring rivet head occupied appears to have been "repaired" and refinished. There is a clear "34" stamped in this same area as well as what appears to be another number that has been lost just above it. The scabbard throat spring is now held in place by a retention screw on the spine, just as German bayonet scabbards. No Waffenamts can be found on the scabbard, though it does appear to have been modified to meet "German Spec."

I really find the Occupied Czech and Slovakian pieces to be fascinating for not only their eventual military issue but also their story of production. I strongly feel it is an often overlooked field of collecting that is slowly getting more attention and appreciation, I am always happy to add pieces from this period and location to my collection. I would greatly appreciate any insights and information that could be passed along!

 

[hatrick]

Very cool bayonet. You don’t often see original Czech bayonets that have been converted versus the more common dot marked, purpose built G33/40 / G.24(t) bayonets.

 

[komet45]

Very cool bayonet. You don’t often see original Czech bayonets that have been converted versus the more common dot marked, purpose built G33/40 / G.24(t) bayonets.

Thank you! I agree with you on the subject of original, converted Czech blades. I have been on the hunt for a "High Ear" modified Czech VZ.24 bayonet and they just don't pop up as much as they used to, prices have noticeably gone up too. I used to turn my nose up at Czech blades for $40 at the gun shows, wish I had paid more attention. I know they are on Ebay, but I like to wait and find something local. Have passed by many in the past....always when you are looking for something is it hard to find! The dot blades have gone through the roof, I cracked and did order one off Ebay and was very pleased with my meager investment. Not textbook, rough...but matching. Even though both of these blades were made in the same factory within a year or so of each other, you can detect subtle differences between the two, especially on the fuller.

 

[Navy87Guy]

I’m afraid to go down the bayonet rabbit hole…I know how that will end!

I have a 1938 Czech bayonet for my Romanian contract VZ.24. I also like imagining the history behind my pieces. At some point, I need to find a G24(t) and a bayonet with proper German markings!

 

[hatrick]

Funny thing is that years ago dot bayonets were pretty cheap. I picked up two mint ones for pennies on the dollar compared to today’s prices.

 

[komet45]

The "Romanian Rabbit Hole" is very deep! I have a VZ.24 contract rifle too (CR block) and it's a really neat piece, a great shooter too. Before owning this rifle I hadn't paid a lot of attention to the contribution of the Romanian forces on the Eastern Front but I will admit that it has motivated me to dig deeper into their story. The story of the contract itself is also fascinating and I have started looking for more pieces from it - sadly many have been ruined! The Romanian Contract bayonets are still around and can be had for a good price if you know what to look for. All original contract bayonets were left in the white and marked on the pommel with the serial number and letter block. Sometimes you can find them on Ebay and the seller might not realize what they have, an easy way to find one for a good price!

Still looking for a G24(t), a "Best Of Both Worlds" rifle...

 

[pwcosol]

Here is a post from 2017 but quite informative:

https://www.k98kforum.com/threads/vz-24-bayonets.26958/

 

[AndyB]

!Even though both of these blades were made in the same factory within a year or so of each other, you can detect subtle differences between the two, especially on the fuller."
They were not made at same factory, one was made in Brno plant in Protektorat, other in independent Slovakia plant of ZB.

 

[komet45]

Good eye Andy and my mistake, you are absolutely correct. In a way, it is MORE interesting now to see two different factories producing the same blade design, maybe not that far off from comparing "dot" and "dou." K98k rifles...