Name/Title
1871 - GERMANY - Hirschfänger (Hf71) Imperial German Navy / Jäger Battalions of the Prussian army - issued BayonetDescription
The Hirschfänger 1871 (literally a "deer slayer" from its hunting origins- often abbreviated to Hf71) was a variant on the S71 Bayonet to fit the Gew98 rifle. The Hf71 had a long wide blade, leather grips, "eagles head" pommel and smaller opposing curved crossguard and muzzle ring. It was carried in a steel mounted leather scabbard and did not come with a sawback blade.
The Hf71 was usually issued to the Jäger Battalions of the Prussian army along with their Jägerbüchse 1871 rifles. In the colonies the Togo Polizeitruppe were issued them for their Jägerbüchse rifles until replaced by the kS98 bayonet and K98 carbine.
The Hf71 was also issued to the Imperial Navy and Marine Infantry to replace the old FüsS60 bayonets but was itself usually replaced with the S98 as the G98 rifle was introduced. Along with other obsolete weapons it was later issued to non-frontline units such as the Imperial Navy's depot units in the later stages of the First World War.Created By
Zarina CarlevarisCreate Date
August 7, 2024Updated By
Lieutenant Michael Hayes-Rivet, retired.Update Date
October 27, 2024
