I have always been interested in these relatively scarce pieces but have never really heard conclusively why they were blackened. Several reasons have been suggested, included mourning and out of respect for Hindenburgs death in 1934, blackout reasons and as a cheaper alternative to plating.
Does anybody actually know why and for how long this practise continued, I can find nothing in my references.

One of the pieces below is blued but it has the same effect.

Degens,
I have no answer to your question. I am posting simply to say, "WOW!!"

I heard somewhere it was for a subdued effect, a non-reflective surface. Could we see the etched piece by itself? Beautiful group, I think I'll look for one at the MAX. My Imperial collection needs one. Who are the makers?

The theory about non reflective or black out purposes does not really stack up for me, unless I am wrong many of these pieces were still being produced in the 1920's. The Pack example with the offset spanner bolts could even be as late as 1930's?.
I did possibly think about certain unit designation, a bit like we see the pioneer variations for the engineering units?.
3 of these are eickhorn with back to back squirrels, including the boot knife, the others are all unmarked including the etched piece to a medical officer. They all are very heavy in comparison to a normal KS98 and I would be interested to see any other examples of the blued variant .

This black hilt is a carry over from the Imperial period, during the war for Officers. I have found them with a cypher insignia on the grip plate as well as plain.
I believe it was an elective finish when the officer purchased his extra seitengewehr.
Ron Weinand

Degens i so like that fighting knife very nice example.
Sean

Among Imperial collectors, we have always maintained that the hilts were blackened to subdue reflections while in the field. When officers were ordered to return their swords to the rear during early WWI, they were supposed to arm themselves with the S98/05 bayonet, but the kS98 design was MUCH more popular. But only certain units and personnel were issued the issue version of the kS98, so officers went out and privately purchased their own kS98s for FIELD use, NOT dress purposes. Thus the hilts (pommel and crossguard) were often blackened to subdue reflection. I will have to search for the reference to cite the source, but I would not at all be surprised if this practice was carried over.

Here are three Imperial Private Purchase kS98 examples. The example on the left is clearly for field use, with blackened hilt and a clearing hole. This was made by WKC. The second example is also blackened, but lacks a clearing hole. The blade has been well honed, suggesting possible field use again, and this one was made by E. Pack & Sohne. The 3rd is by far the most commonly found Imperial era Private Purchase kS98 by Eickhorn. While these certainly appear as walking out bayos only, there have been examples found with blackened hilts and even with the sawback removed, which of course would only be done by an officer on the frontline for fear of retribution if captured due to the allied propaganga regarding sawback bayonets.

Thanks chaps, it sounds totally plausible now the imperial connection has been explained and a conclusion I might have arrived at myself eventually, if I had one of those fantastic sawbacks to stimulate the brain matter.
As to the makers, I have seen ACS, Eickhorn, WKC, Pack and Horster on these, is anyone aware of any others....I appreciate the responses.

Seany, thanks alot, it is even better in hand with virtually full crossgrain intact.

Collectors will also find Imperial swords with this black paint finish. I have seen Infantry 89s and various P guard swords made of steel or iron with a black paint finish.

One other posibility is the conservation of wartime materials such as brass for hilts and nickel or chrome for plating. I have always thought that it was simply an alternative finish that was available to the officer, or enlisted man, to purchase. As to why one would want to purchase a blackened edged weapon, the answer could be either material shortages or the wish to have a subdued weapon in the trenches. Perhaps a combination of both?

One from my collection. I can remember when you could buy these for $20-$30.

Great pieces Gents, those shiny black hilts are really something to behold.