Original German WWII 98k 1940 dated Bayonet by Carl Eickhorn with Scabbard and Frog – Matching Serial 6442 o 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.

Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III

Markings: 6442 / o, cof, and 40

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Black Bakelite

Condition is very good, though there are definitely areas of oxidation from exposure. This looks like a bayonet that saw little use, staying in the scabbard, however it may have been stored outside for some time, as there is oxidation to the exterior. The grips are intact, and the bayonet has a functional 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 on the blade, 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 shows surface oxidation, however the proof marks are still visible. The scabbard has lost finish, and has a dent on the rear side. It also has a lot of oxidation and light surface pitting, especially on the back side, in contrast to the blade.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 6442 / o. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and the blade ricasso is maker code marked cof, for production by Carl Eickhorn, a legendary edged weapon producer from Solingen, the “City of Blades” in Western Germany. The number 40 is stamped on the spine of the blade, for production in 1940. The reverse of the scabbard bears the same markings, so this is a matching set.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The frog definitely shows age and wear, with most of the original finish worn. It still has intact stitching, with steel rivets on the bottom, and aluminum on the top. There is a fainted maker marking on the back, however all we can make out definitively is the date, 1937.

An original very nice German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard with frog by a highly desirable maker. 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″