Original German WWII 98k 1943 dated Bayonet by Berg and Co with Scabbard & Frog – Matching Serial 8238 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 of the equipment belt in combination with the shovel and its carrier. The maker marks on k98 bayonets were stamped onto the top of the blade. On the reverse the batch number and suffix were stamped.

Model Bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III
Markings: 8239 a and 43 agv
Material: Steel
Grip material: wood

Condition is good, with much original bluing missing on the blade, wooden grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has most of the factory “sharpening”, which did not really make the blade sharp, that was up to the soldier. This example was sharpened.

It looks like this example did see some use in service, probably as more of a utility knife. The wood scales are in good shape, with no chips, and just some light scratches and dents. The handle is quite nice, though it does have a bit of surface rust in areas.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 8239 a. The pommel is Waffenamt marked but is difficult to make out due to oxidation and corrosion. The blade ricasso is also marked with German three letter code 43 agv indicating 1943 manufacture by the well-known maker Berg & Co. of Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Eastern Germany. The scabbard has the same marking on the reverse.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely, though it is a bit large. It may have been an emergency replacement using an older “butcher” style frog. The frog does show some age, and the hole for the scabbard retainer is slightly torn. The original stitching is fully intact, with steel rivets.

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