Original German Pre-WWII Early Commercial 98k Bayonet by Weyersberg Kirschbaum with Scabbard & 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 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.

However, there were also commercially made bayonets for the civilian market, and they were different in markings and appearance. This is one such example.

Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III Commercial

Markings(bayonet): “Knights Helmet” with mismatched Scabbard

Markings(scabbard): 1127 / n and E. u F. Hörster / 1940

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Black bakelite

The design of the commercial bayonet does not strictly conform to either the 84/98 II or III patterns, as it has a “birds head” pommel, as well as grip scales attached by three dressed rivets, as opposed to the bolts and spanner nuts usually seen. It also lacks the flash guard present on all Mauser 98 Bayonets since the turn of the century. These were much less likely to be fixed on a rifle when fired, so most likely the flash guard was deemed unnecessary. It also has a reverse quillon, a throwback to WWI era mauser bayonets.

The ricasso of the bayonet is stamped with the trademark “Knights-Helmet” (Ritter-helm) logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen, over the firms initials of WKC. This company is 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 WKC was formed as it exists today.

Condition is very good, with a very nice blued finish, and light wear to the grip. The blade had been sharpened prior to this, and now is mostly dull, with some wear to the edge. The scabbard is also in great shape, and is a 1940 dated example by E. u F. Hörster of Solingen. The included bayonet frog is a bit worn, and is missing the securing strap. It has the correct early war aluminum rivets, and has some stamped markings on the back, which we cannot quite read.

A very interesting and hard to find commercial 98K bayonet by WKC, complete with scabbard and frog. 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″