Original Excellent German WWII 98k 1943 dated Bayonet by E. & F. Hörster with Scabbard & Frog – Matching Serial 0645 m 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.

Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III

Markings: 0645 / m and 43 asw

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Red Bakelite

Condition is excellent, with little sign of use, so we believe that this bayonet was never issued for use in the field. It still retains over 95% of the bluing on the blade, the bakelite grips fully intact, and has a working locking button. The blade has the original factory “sharpening”, which did not really make the blade sharp: that was up to the soldier. Aside from runner wear, there are no really signs of use of use on the blade. The red bakelite grips are in excellent condition, showing just the tiniest bit of wear. The handle shows just a bit of wear from cleaning and light oxidation. The scabbard is in really great shape, showing almost complete original finish, with just a bit of wear at the bottom.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 0645 / m. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and he blade ricasso is also marked with German three letter code 43 asw indicating 1943 manufacture by the well-known maker E. & F. Hörster & Co. Gmbh. The scabbard has the same marking on the reverse. According to J. Anthony Carter’s book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the company was originally founded in 1850 as “Friedrich Hörster” in 1850. It was then renamed to E. & F. Hörster in 1870 at the behest of Friedrich Emil & Fritz Hörster. The firm lasted long after WWII, finally being declared insolvent in 1996.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original black leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. It is in fantastic shape, with galvanized steel rivets, and is the later style without the securing strap. It is marked on the back with what looks to be RZLM22 / 1943, though we are not sure about the top line.

A fantastic example of a German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a highly desirable maker, complete with an original leather frog. Ready to 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″