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: 1260 / M and F. HERDER A. SN.
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: Ribbed Dark Red Bakelite

Condition is very good with original bluing on blade, 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 good shape, with no chips, and just some light wear. The bluing on the handle is still intact, but there are spots of light surface rust scattered on the hilt. The scabbard shows overall wear to the finish, but no major oxidation or dents, and fits the bayonet nicely.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 1260 / M. The spine is marked with the year 38. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and the blade ricasso is also marked with F. HERDER A. SN. indicates 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).

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The frog does show age, with the black finish on the front showing a lot of cracking and some flaking. It features 3 intact aluminum rivets, and an aluminum stud on the securing strap, which is somewhat delicate.

An original early war German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a desirable maker in very good condition. Comes complete with frog and is 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"