Original German WWII 98k 1940 dated Bayonet by W.K.C. with Scabbard and Frog – Matching Serial 7752 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: 7752 , W.K.C. and 40 (on spine)

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Ribbed Bakelite

Condition is excellent with original bluing on blade, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has the factory “sharpening”, which did not really make the blade sharp: that was up to the soldier. It does however have some dents on the spine and edge, and there is runner wear and some light oxidation on the tip area of the blade. The bakelite grip scales are in good shape, with no chips, and just some light wear, but one of the securing screws is missing. The bluing on the handle is quite nice, and is virtually rust free.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 7752. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and the blade ricasso is also marked with manufacture mark W.K.C., for Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany – a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. The traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ”Kings head” as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today.

The spine of the blade is marked 40, for 1940, and the scabbard is marked W.K.C. / 1940 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 leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The frog does show some age, but is overall in really good condition, with a lovely worn black finish. All of the stitching is intact, though it looks like the securing strap was removed at some point.

An original excellent early war German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard with frog by a highly desirable maker. Ready to display or fit to your 98K rifle!