Original German WWII 98k 1944 dated Bayonet by E. & F. Hörster with Scabbard & Unit Marked Frog 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 (bayonet): 3168 / x and 44 asw

Markings (scabbard): 5466 / b and cof / 44

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Red Brown Bakelite

Condition is very good, with much original bluing on blade, red brown 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 no real signs of use, wear from cleaning and the scabbard runners. The reddish brown bakelite grip scales are in very good condition, with no chips, and just some light scratches and dents. The handle is quite nice, though it does have a bit of light oxidation.

The blade bears serial number 3168 / x, which does not match the scabbard. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and he blade ricasso is also marked with German three letter code 44 asw indicating 1944 manufacture by the well-known maker E. & F. Hörster & Co Gmbh.

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.

The scabbard is marked with serial number 5466 / b and cof / 44, for 1944 manufacture by the legendary Carl Eickhorn of Solingen. The scabbard is in good condition, with overall light peppering, and no dents or other damage.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original brown leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. It is maker marked on the back with E.O. Götze & Sohn / Gersdorf / 1940, and also has a faint unit marking! From what we can see, this is a Luftwaffe unit marking, however we are not able to read it completely. The frog does show some age, but is overall in very good condition, originally having a lovely lightly worn finish. The original stitching is fully intact, with aluminum rivets.

An original German WWII 98k Bayonet and scabbard by desirable makers, complete with an original marked leather frog. 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″