Original German WWII 98k 1942 dated Bayonet by Carl Eickhorn with Scabbard and Frog – Matching Serial 3052 p 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: 7616 / c and 42 cof

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Wood

Condition is good, but definitely shows wear and use. This is definitely a bayonet that was used during the war, not one that stayed in storage. The wooden grips are intact, and the bayonet has a functional locking button. The blade has been sharpened for use in the field, replacing the factory blunt edge. It shows runner wear as well as edge wear from use, most likely being used as a utility knife in the field. The wooden grips are in good shape, but do show wear, with scratches and dents, but no major cracks or chips. The handle shows surface oxidation, however the proof marks are still visible.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 3052 / p. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and the blade ricasso is maker code marked 42 cof, for 1942 production by Carl Eickhorn, a legendary edged weapon producer from Solingen, the “City of Blades” in Western Germany. 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 cracking in the leather, especially in the securing loop, which is partly torn. However, all of the original stitching is intact, and is still a nice black color on the reverse. It is also maker code marked kvz / 1942 in a rectangle on the back. This stands for 1942 production by Timmerman & Wollet of Heidelberg, a leatherware company known for making bayonet frogs.

An original very nice service worn 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″