Original German WWII 44 dated “Grey Ghost” 98k Bayonet & Scabbard by Hörster with Frog – Matched Serial 4978 ff 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.

Towards the end of the war, certain changes were made by the firm E. & F. Hörster of Solingen, Germany. They switched to a phosphate “‘parkerized” finish, and used rivet retained bakelite for the grips. The gray color has led these bayonets to be called “Grey Ghost” bayonets. Only 3000 of these were made before the firm changed their 3 letter code to sgx, making this a VERY rare and desirable bayonet. We have checked the serial number, and it is in the correct series for a “Grey Ghost” bayonet.

Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III “Grey Ghost”

Markings: 4978 / ff and 44 asw

Material: Phosphate / Parkerized Steel

Grip material: Ribbed Bakelite – Rivet Retained

Condition is very good, with barely any wear on blade finish, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has most of the factory “sharpening”, which did not really make the blade sharp: that was up to the soldier. This example is as close to “unissued” as we have seen. It also shows the typical rough machining of these examples.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 4978 / ff. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and he blade ricasso is also marked with German three letter code 44 asw indicating 1944 manufacture by the well-known maker E. & F. Hörster of Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Eastern Germany. The scabbard has the same marking on the reverse. Shortly after this bayonet was made, this maker code was discontinued in favor of sgx.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The frog does show wear, and is somewhat stiff now, with some of the finish flaked off. The original securing loop is still present, but a bit delicate. Most of the stitching is intact, and the late war steel rivets are as well. The back of the frog still has traces of an RB-Nr marking.

An original German WWII Matching “Grey Ghost” 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a highly desirable maker, complete with an original frog. One of only 3000 made and in great shape. Ready to display!