Original German WWII 98k 1941 dated Bayonet by E. & F. Hörster with Scabbard & Frog – Matching Serial 268 n 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: 268 / n and 41 asw

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Black Bakelite

Condition is very good, with much 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 signs of water damage and cleaning on the blade, which also has the usual runner wear. The black bakelite grip scales are in very good condition, with no chips, and just some light scratches and dents. The handle is quite nice, though there is definitely finish loss and light oxidation pitting from weathering, as the handle was not protected like the blade.

The scabbard shows a lot of finish loss and past light oxidation, showing quite a bit of exposure to the elements and wear during its service life. There is less oxidation under the frog, which has worn the blued finish underneath, but prevented further oxidation.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 268 / n. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and he blade ricasso is also marked with German three letter code 41 asw indicating 1941 manufacture by the well-known maker E. & F. Hörster & Co Gmbh. The scabbard has the same marking on the reverse.

According to J. Anthony Carter’s book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the company was originally founded in 1850 as “Friedrich Hörster” in 1850. It was then renamed to E. & F. Hörster in 1870 at the behest of Friedrich Emil & Fritz Hörster. The firm lasted long after WWII, finally being declared insolvent in 1996.

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 galvanized steel hardware still intact. The securing strap is not broken, and still holds well.

An original German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a highly desirable maker, complete with an original leather frog. Ready to clean up and 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″