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.
Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III
Markings: 6477 / h, CLEMEN & JUNG and 38 (on spine)
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: black bakelite
Condition is excellent, with almost all of the original bluing on blade, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has the original factory “sharpening”, which did not really make the blade sharp: that was up to the soldier. There are no real signs of use, wear from cleaning and the scabbard runners. The black bakelite grip scales are in very good condition, with no chips, and just some light scratches and dents. The handle finish is also excellent, with crisp early style Waffenamt inspection marks.
The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 6477 / h. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and the blade ricasso is also marked by maker CLEMEN & JUNG, a rare edged weapon producer from Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in the mountains of Western Germany. The spine of the blade is marked 38, for 1938, and the scabbard is marked CLEMEN & JUNG / 1938 on the reverse. Shortly after this manufacturers made the move to three letter codes, so this is a very nice matched early war example.
Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original black leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The frog does show some age, but is overall in really good condition, with the original stitching and all aluminum hardware still intact. The securing strap is not broken, and still holds well.
An original German WWII 98k Bayonet by a rare maker in excellent condition, complete with a 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″