Original German WWII 98k 1944 dated Bayonet by F. Herder Abr. Sohn with Phosphate Scabbard – Matching Serial 3181 d 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: 3181 / d and 44 ffc
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: Ribbed Dark Red Bakelite

Condition of this late war set is excellent, close to unissued, with excellent bluing on the blade, the 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. There is runner wear near the tip, but otherwise the original finish on the blade is in great shape. The bakelite grip scales are in great shape, showing little wear of any kind. The bluing on the handle is still intact, but there are spots of light surface rust scattered on the pommel, and a bit of wear on the cross guard. The scabbard shows light overall wear to the late war phosphate finish, with some areas of staining and oxidation, and fits the blade well.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 3181 / d. The pommel is Waffenamt WaA519 (Solingen Inspector) marked and the blade ricasso is also marked with German three letter code 44 ffc indicating 1944 manufacture by the well-known maker Friedr. Herder Abr. Sohn of Solingen, the legendary “City of Blades” in Eastern Germany. The scabbard has the same marking on the reverse.

According to J. Anthony Carter’s book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the Herder family can be traced back to 1623, when Arndt, Jürgen and Wilhelm Herder were making knives in Geylenbergh. In the 19th Century, Friedrich Herder formed his own company, Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn (Abraham’s Son).

An original late war German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a desirable maker in great condition. 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″