Original German WWII 98k 1939 dated Bayonet by F. Herder Abr. Sohn with Scabbard – Matching Serial 1996 b Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. In 1935 the German military introduced the K98k bolt action rifle or Karabiner 98 Kurz, as a replacement for the older GEW98 or Gewehr 98. A new, shorter bayonet was designed to go along with the shortened rifle. The K98 bayonet was officially named Seitengewehr 84/98 III or SG 84/98 III. The bayonet was designed as a close combat sidearm that could be placed on the tip of a K98.

The total length of the K98 bayonet was 15.2 inches, far shorter than the 20 inch long GEW98 bayonet. The blade was also straighter in shape and the hand guard was omitted. The K98 bayonet was carried in a leather frog, or Seitengewehrtragetasche, on the left side on the equipment belt in combination with the shovel and its carrier. The maker marks on k98 bayonets where stamped onto the top of the blade. On the reverse the batch number and suffix were stamped. Early WWII bayonets from some makers also had markings on the spine.

Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III

Markings: 1996 / b, F. HERDER A. SN and 39 (on spine)

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Ribbed Bakelite

Condition is very good, with very good original bluing on blade, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has the factory “sharpening”, which did not really make the blade sharp: that was up to the soldier. Finish on the blade is excellent, with just the usual runner wear from the scabard. The bakelite grip scales are in good shape, with no chips, and just some light wear and scratching. The bluing on the handle is quite nice, with a bit of wear and oxidation. The scabbard shows a bit more wear, and looks to have been kept in a frog for a long period. There are a few small dents, but nothing major.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 1996 / b. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and the blade ricasso is also marked by maker F. HERDER A. SN, or Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn. This is a well known edged weapon producer from Solingen, the “City of Blades” in the mountains of Western Germany. The spine of the blade is marked 39, for 1939, and the scabbard is marked F. HERDER A. SN / 1939 on the reverse. Shortly after this manufacturers made the move to three letter codes, so this is a very nice matched early war example.

According to  J. Anthony Carter’s book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the Herder family can be traced back to 1623, when Arndt, Jürgen and Wilhelm Herder were making knives in Geylenbergh. In the 19th Century, Friedrich Herder formed his own company, Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn (Abraham’s Son).

An original excellent early war German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a highly desirable maker. Ready to display or fit to your 98K rifle!