Original German Pre-WWII 98k 1935 dated Bayonet by F. Herder with Scabbard & Afrika Korps Canvas Frog 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 of 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: 8302a / S. 240 .G
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: Wood

Condition is good, with some of the original bluing on blade, fair wooden grips intact and a working locking button. There is cracking and chips present in the wood grip. The blade appears to have been sharpened post war which was not uncommon as these were often recycled for further use. There is some wear on the last inch or so from runner wear, but overall the blade is very nice, having been protected by the scabbard.

The scabbard and blade bear mismatching serial numbers with 4823 present on the scabbard. The pommel may have been marked but we cannot see anything. The blade ricasso is also marked with the number codes that were used from 1925-1940 to obscure manufacturers, and often had a date suffix after them. Code S / 240. G indicates 1935 manufacture by the well-known maker Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn.. The scabbard has the same marking on the reverse.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original Afrika Korps tan canvas frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The frog does show quite a bit of age and wear, so the original color is stained slightly. Most of the stitching is still present and intact but there is wear present.

An original excellent German Pre WWII Matching 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″