Need Advice: To trade or not to trade my DLV Dagger for this Stag Luftwaffe Etched Bayonet?

[deltaspecialforce]

Hey everyone. I need some advice here.

I have an above average DLV Dagger that has a re-wrapped scabbard. SMF Maker. Another local collector wants to do an even trade for this Mint stag handle double etched Alcoso Luftwaffe dress bayonet. What are your thoughts?

I know there are Repro etched bayonets out there or original dress daggers with post war etchings to falsely add value. This thing is pristine if it's real. What should I do?

Here are high res pics of the bayonet:

[gerrit]

Stick to your DLV, post war fantasy etch.

Cheers,
Ger

[Walkwolf]

Also, the bayonet seems to have been re-plated or chromed
and the grip panels fit horribly - which leads me to think
they are new, non-original replacements.

I'd hang on to the DLV as well.........!

[Larry C]

Hi DSForce,, like Gerit and Walkwolf said stay with the DLV,,which I am very sure the patina alone on your DLV is worth more than this modern repro. This is one of those etched bayonets I would not mind,, to go out of my way and put peanut butter finger prints all over it.

[StuG III]

What I find amusing is the fact that it is supposed to be Luftwaffe, but sports Heer eagles.

Tom

[Rancid66]

These bayo is not a total modern reproduction.

Quote about this bayonet:

Bayonete manufactured by Reddick Enterprises. These bayonets are crafted using mostly leftover period parts (the buffer pad and the stag grips are post war). What is striking about these pieces, which do not come with scabbards, is the superior construction - they are made as good if not better than the originals. Identification points of spurious engraved blades includes very stiff buffer pads, raised handle rivets, and overall STONE MINT construction.

I hope that i managed to help.

Regards
Vedran

[Larry C]

Hi Vedran interesting observation,, is there some characteristics on this bayonet that has caught your eye that it is made up of period parts? Your Right Reddick was notorious for selling parts daggers and repros as authentic...and was a huge thorn in the collecting communities side back during the 80s and 90s. Now you will see his stand at various Militaria shows selling his wares,,,as now..."repro? Good move on his part.

Other than that someone went to alot of trouble to chrome period parts,, which brings down the value tremendously,, if there is any value left in it once its chromed. I myself can not see any traces of this being period parts,, but I am interested in your observations.

Looking at the pommel it is hard to discern if this is period,, although the bayonet release spring mechanism is present,, but it still doesnt convince me it is authentic beneath the chrome. What are your convictions on this or if someone else has the same views on this being a parts dagger. It would be an educational and interesting thread. Regards Larry

[Rancid66]

Larry, stacking these bayonets,i s not cheap, but it would be worthwhile structures, blades are etched - fantasies, and appeared as rare.

Regards
Vedran

[deltaspecialforce]

Boy am I glad I posted this on here before I did anything. There is a Luft eagle on the one side as noted in the last photo in the line but the rest are definitely Heer. I really don't think this guy knows its a fake. I've been ripped off before but I think he is unaware that he lost SO much money on this fake. Heck I almost lost a great DLV dagger for it. Thanks for the help everyone!

[MD Helmets]

I'm happy for you that this was averted. I couldnt imagine losing a genuine dagger for a piece of crap. Thumbs up to you for posting before trading