Original German Post-WWI Seitengewehr M1884/98 IIe Bayonet by Weyersberg & Kirschbaum with Scabbard – dated 1928 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great example of a M-1884/98 Second Model Bayonet (Seitengewehr), intended for use on the Mauser GEW 98 rifle. This bayonet design is based on the earlier M1871/84 bayonet with a 10 inch blade, and the first model of these were converted from those bayonets. This example was purpose made as a M1884/98 IIe and was not converted. The third model of the M1884/98 became the standard bayonet for the k98k rifle used during WWII.

This example is a very rare transitional version, often called the IIe or 2e, which were only made by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie. (WKC) of Solingen from 1927-1930 during the Weimar Period in Germany. WKC was a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany – a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the “Kings head” as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period until 1930. It then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today.

Among the last items that the company produced before being dissolved to form WKC Waffenfabrik GmbH in 1930 were these M1884/98 IIe bayonets. These are the immediate predecessor of the third model, used throughout WWII. They were made in very small numbers only, as Germany was still severely restricted with regards to armaments.

This rare Weimar-production bayonet is in very good condition, with almost full factory finish on the blade, handle, and bayonet. The hilt has a very nice set of original wood grips, now darkly colored due to age and oil. The hilt has only light wear, and the bayonet lock is fully functional. There is also a Weimar Eagle / 46 marking on the pommel.

The blade is virtually unissued, with a great finish, and still retains the original factory blunt edge. It is maker marked W.u.K. on one ricasso, with 94 underneath. The blade is also dated on the blade’s spine with 28, the year the bayonet was accepted, and above this is another Weimar Eagle / 46 marking, though it is partial. The scabbard has the same maker mark on it, though it is quite faint, and also has a matching 94 stamped as well. It is overall in very good condition, with very little wear.

Both the crossguard of the bayonet and the scabbard bear the same regimental marking: 14. / J.R. 18. 112., though we do not know if this is a Reichswehr marking, or a Wehrmacht marking added after 1935. Most likely it is from the Weimar period, as the practice of regimentally marking all the weapons was not usually used during the NSDAP period.

All in all a nice example of a very rare Weimar Republic M1884/94 IIe Bayonet, in very good condition with scabbard. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 9 7/8”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Overall length: 15”
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard length: 10 5/8″