Original German Pre WWII Heer Short Stag Handle 98k Dress Bayonet by Carl Eickhorn with Scabbard and Leather Frog Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The K-98 dress bayonet was a dress version of the combat style, and was worn by enlisted and NCO personnel for dress and parade occasions. The bayonets were finished with a high-quality nickel plating, with stag or bakelite grip plates and black painted scabbard. The choice of blade length was left to the purchaser, either the nickel-plated short (20cm) or long (25cm) version. There was usually a red or green colored felt insert in the rifle slot and the bayonet was suspended from a black or brown leather frog. Some had a functional bayonet latch, while it was ornamental on some. Often they would also have a sword knot, or troddle, and the color would indicate the branch or rank.

This great Heer (army) example is in excellent condition, and has a nickel plated blade, as all dress bayonets do. It has a nice alloy hilt, with almost all of the Nickel Plating intact, showing a lovely lightly oxidized patina. The mortise button and blade release are fully functional, and the green felt insert is present. The grip plates are both lovely stag horn, with fantastic grain, and both are in great condition. They are retained by plated steel rivets dressed on the reverse.

It has not been sharpened, and still retains its blunt factory edge. The original leather blade buffer is in place, and is in excellent condition.

The rear ricasso of the blade is stamped with the 1935-41 Eickhorn trademark: a seated squirrel holding a sword, with the word ORIGINAL above and the firm’s name and location, Eickhorn / SOLINGEN below. Carl Eickhorn is a legendary maker from Solingen, the famous “City of Blades” in Western Germany. According to J. Anthony Carter’s book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The scabbard is straight throughout and has black enamel paint. This paint is still in very good condition with only light scratching and chipping, with the usual crazing and checking from age. The black leather frog is in wonderful condition though it was refinished/polished recently by the looks and smell of it.

A great example of a German short 98k dress bayonet by a desirable maker with staghorn grips, complete with scabbard. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7 7/8″
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 12 5/8“
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 8 3/4″