German or Austrian Portapee?

[lawrence_n]

Greetings! I'll also post this in the edged weapons forum, but I have to ask if any of you more knowledgeable folks out there can recognize this portapee? As you'll note from the pic, it's attached to a bayonet, which to my mind is an afterthought since it would make it impossible to put it into the frog. I could be wrong of course, so any input would be most welcome. Thanks for looking.

[browningautorifle]

I'd use the small blade of my Swiss knife and cut that off so I could chuck it in the garbage. Someone's idea of beautification...looks like an old curtain tug. I'll be looking to see the bayonet soon...

[lawrence_n]

I'd use the small blade of my Swiss knife and cut that off so I could chuck it in the garbage. Someone's idea of beautification...looks like an old curtain tug. I'll be looking to see the bayonet soon...

Thanks Jim. I did a search on old German portapee's and I've seen something similar which would lead me to believe that it is indeed an old portapee. It's sitting on a first pattern (or old pattern) German 98 bayonet. I'm pretty sure it's not correct to the bayonet, but I'd be reluctant to actually damage it if it is indeed a piece of old military history, if misplaced. As an aside, any idea what those bayonets are worth in good condition complete with a scabbard? I know that things like unit markings, etc. can add to the value, but I have a shot at purchasing one. I'm good with commonwealth stuff in terms of value, but I'm out of my element with German or other European militaria.

---------- Post added at 01:07 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:59 PM ----------

Addendum: I've got it! It's a German 10th. Co. Troddel as issued to junior ranks (Cpl. and below) and it should be worn wrapped around the frog, not the sheath.

[browningautorifle]

Troddel as issued to junior ranks

Fair enough...now you need the frog. The bayonet should be around $250/300 hereabouts. Condition is everything of course.

Here's Collector Source page on these...they price a bit high I think. Bayonets - Collector's Source, Military Collectibles Online

[lawrence_n]

Thanks Jim. I did a cursory check on leather frogs. There's a couple on ebay, one that looks German, but the other one looks Swiss or Swedish. We have an upcoming gun show and I'll do a walkabout to see what's there. We usually have at least 2 guys with bits and pieces of military leather gear of all sorts. Who knows? I may get lucky and find one for a reasonable price.

[browningautorifle]

I may get lucky and find one for a reasonable price.

Even if it's close just buy it and be done. Then you have them all together, they won't get cheaper or easier to find.

[Patrick Chadwick]

Just in case anyone is searching the internet and coming up with poor results: There's no such animal as a portapee. It is portepee in German, from the French portépée.

[browningautorifle]

Have a look at this one for comparison to fix the troddle... https://www.ima-usa.com/collections/...d-troddle-knot