Original German WWII Heer Regiment Etched Short 98k Dress Bayonet by WKC with Frog and NCO Troddle Knot Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The K-98 dress bayonet was a dress version of the combat style, and was worn by enlisted and NCO personnel for dress and parade occasions. The bayonets were finished with a high-quality nickel plating, with stag or bakelite grip plates and black painted scabbard. The choice of blade length was left to the purchaser, being nickel-plated short or long version. There was usually a red or green colored felt insert in the rifle slot and the bayonet was suspended from a black or brown leather frog. Some had a functional bayonet latch, while it was ornamental on some. Often they would also have a sword knot, or troddle, and the color would indicate the branch or rank.

This very nice example is in good condition, and comes complete with the scabbard, frog, and an NCO troddle knot. The bayonet has a has a very nice custom etched nickel plated blade. It has has a nice alloy hilt, which still has some of the original nickel plating, but does show a lot of wear as well. The mortise button and blade release are fully functional, though the felt insert is missing. The grip plates are both lovely checkered black bakelite, and both are in great condition. They are retained by nickel rivets which have dressed heads on the obverse.

The blade on this example is nickel-plated, as were all dress bayonets. It does have wear to the plating and light oxidation, with some runner wear and light scratching. It has not been sharpened, and still retains its blunt factory edge.

The etched panel itself has lovely floral and scroll designs on the edges. In the center of the panel is a lovely German black letter type face inscription:

Für Erinnerung
an meine Dienstzeit
beim Inftr.-Regt. 41
Bayr. Ostmark

This translates to “For a reminder of my service in Infantry Regiment 41, Bayerische Ostmark.” The “Bavarian East March” was one of the administrative regions (Gau) of NSDAP Germany, and was known after June 1942 as “Gau Bayreuth”. This is a common phrase to see on personalized items such as this, however we rarely see ones that have unit markings. This was definitely custom ordered for the owner or unit.

The ricasso is stamped with the trademark “Knight’s Helmet” (Ritter-helm) over WKC logo of legendary maker Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie of Solingen. This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany – a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making.

Per J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ”Kings head” as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie was formed, which continued into the Weimar Period. It then rebranded as W.K.C. Waffenfabrik GmbH, and produced many edged weapons during the NSDAP Period. The company is still in operation today.

The scabbard is straight throughout and still has over 90% of the original black enamel paint. This really is a great scabbard, with very little age related degradation. The body is held by the included brown leather frog, which is in good condition. It is still in good shape, with intact stitching, and the leather is not overly stiff.

Wrapped about the frog is a very nice Non-Commissioned Officer’s Troddel knot. This troddel is of leather strapping with a bullion end ball. This is silver bullion with a green top, and is in great shape, with a green insert into the bottom. It is in very good condition, with just a bit of wear.

An very nice example of a personalized German Short 98k dress bayonet by a well-known maker, complete with frog and troddle knot, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 7 3/4″
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller
Overall length: 12 5/8“
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 8 3/4″