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 were stamped onto the top of the blade. On the reverse the batch number and suffix were stamped.
Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III
Markings: 2409 / x and 42 cof
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: Wood
Condition is good, but definitely shows wear and use. This is a bayonet that was used during the war, not one that stayed in storage. The wooden grips are intact, and the bayonet has a functional locking button. The blade has been sharpened for use in the field, replacing the factory blunt edge. It shows runner wear as well as edge wear from use, most likely being used as a utility knife in the field. The wooden grips are in good shape, but do show wear, with scratches and dents, but no major cracks or chips. The handle shows surface oxidation, however the proof marks are still visible.
The scabbard has a different serial number of 3103 but the same maker 42 cof. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and the blade ricasso is maker code marked 42 cof, for 1942 production by Carl Eickhorn, a legendary edged weapon producer from Solingen, the “City of Blades” in Western Germany. The reverse of the scabbard bears the same markings, so this is a matching set.
Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original DAK web frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The Olive-green colored web frog is fully intact, though there is a tiny bit of wear to the stitching around the hole for the scabbard button. The reinforcement on the back of the strap button is fully intact. There are unfortunately no legible markings on the frog, as they were ink stamped and readily wear off.
An original very nice service worn German WWII 98k Bayonet and scabbard with frog by a highly desirable maker. Ready to display or fit to your 98K rifle!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 10″
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 15 1/4“
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 10 1/2″