Original German WWII 98k 1937 dated Bayonet by Carl Eickhorn with Scabbard & Frog – Matching Serial 6344 h 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. Early WWII bayonets from some makers also had markings on the spine.

Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III

Markings: 6344 / h, CARL EICKHORN and 37 (on spine)

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Wood

Condition is very good, with very good original bluing on blade, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. This blade has been arsenal sharpened for use, so it was deployed in the field. It does not seem to have seen much use however, as the edge is still mostly sharp. There is some runner wear and some light oxidation on a few areas of the blade, as shown. The wood grip scales are in very good shape, with no chips, and just some light wear. The bluing on the handle is quite nice, with a bit of wear and oxidation. The scabbard is in very good condition, showing a strong blued finish with just a bit of speckling from oxidation.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 6344 / h. The blade ricasso is marked by maker CARL EICKHORN, a legendary edged weapon producer from Solingen, the “City of Blades” in the mountains of Western Germany. The pommel bears early “Stick Eagle” Waffenamt WaA253 markings, correct markings for inspection in Solingen. The spine of the blade is marked 37, for 1937, and the scabbard is marked CARL EICKHORN / 1937 on the reverse. Shortly after this manufacturers made the move to three letter codes, so this is a very nice matched early war example.

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.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original black early pattern 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 galvanized steel hardware still intact. The leather shows just a bit of finish wear, and no major damage. The securing strap is not broken, and still holds well, definitely a rarity.

An lovely original early war German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by the most desirable of all Solingen makers. 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″