Original German WWI Era Short 98k Dress Bayonet etched “Souvenir of Solingen” with Scabbard 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, often 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.

This example was made as a Souvenir during or just at the end of WWI, as indicated by the etched panel, which reads Souvenir of Solingen on two banners. Between these is an Iron Cross 1914 design, and the panel has a very nice laurel leaf border. It has has a nice iron hilt, though about half of the nickel plating has flaked away. It has a mortise button, but it is just for display, and is not functional at all. The grip plates are wood, retained by polished rivets.

The blade on this example is nickel-plated, as were all dress bayonets, but it was sharpened at some point and used, so the plating is worn or missing in areas. There is some light oxidation where the plating has worn away. The original leather blade buffer is still present in the cross guard. The scabbard is straight throughout and has black enamel paint. This paint is still in good condition with just a couple of scratches, and the usual crazing and checking from age.

A very interesting Souvenir Bayonet from Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Western Germany. Complete with scabbard and ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7 3/4″
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 12 5/8“
Crossguard: 2 1/8”
Scabbard Length: 9″