Walter Ronski in 2.12.1917

[RobinH]

I have recently obtained an nco parade bayonet with stag grip in the world war 2 German style with the name Walter Ronski and the date Dec 2, 1917 ( 2.12.1917) etched on the blade. A WW1 style iron cross is also etched on the other side of the blade. I believe him to be an army man from the red felt still in the bayo slot. I speculate he served in WW1 then again in WW2. Would anyone have any info about this person or date?

Thank you.

[John G.]

RobinH,
It would be very unusual to have an indivigual's name and a date etched on the blade of a dress bayonet (or any edged weapon for that matter)....especially factory done....can you post photographs?

Unless he's someone "special" chances of finding any information is very limited .......
John G.

[RobinH]

Here are some photos (I hope) of the bayonet showing the name and date. I have searched the web for name and date and have had no luck. Would the service history of that German ww1 man be available anywhere?

Thanks.

BAYO1.JPG

[RobinH]

Photo 2.

BAYO2.JPG

[John G.]

RobinH,
Very unusual edged weapon.....artificial damascus blade, simple Iron Cross on one side, name and date on the other....
stag grips....I've never seen another similiar one.....and I've seen hundreds of WW 1/WW 2 bayonets & fighting knives....don't know what to make of this example.

The large slotted screw/bolts on the grips are definately WW 1 (known as "Kurzes Seitengewehr") but I've never seen a "Presentation grade" version......nor have I seen one with stag grips.

Unfortunately, researching the name will be nearly impossible as far as I know.....possibly there is some German sorces but I don't know "how" to access them.....

This is either a very special presentation bayonet/Fighting knife or a very elaborate fake (using an original basic knife)......do you have the sheath?

I can't see anything obvious to make me not like it......but I remain skeptical since it's so unique....
Anyone else is welcome to comment......
John G.

[RobinH]

I agree that damast bayonets are unusual. This one is not artificial damast. It is damast in the "band" pattern. The pattern closely matches a pair of German ww1 era swords I have. I do have the scabbard but it is just the typical bayonet type. The slotted, offset screws in the grip are similiar to the type used in ww2 by the E. Pack company in their bayonet manufacture.

I was hoping someone on site could give me a good idea on where to research Walter Ronski and possibly get his German millitary service record.

Thanks.