Item:
KZ0384

Original German WWII Set of Two 98k Dress Bayonets - One Short Engraved Luftwaffe & One Long Fireman's

Item Description

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. This also included civic organizations such as Police and Feuerschutzpolizei (Fire Protection Police) units. The bayonets were finished with a high-quality nickel plating, with often custom grip plates and black enamel painted scabbards. The choice of blade length was left to the purchaser, being nickel-plated short (20cm) or long (25cm) 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, and others had no latch at all.

This lovely set of two consists of two dress bayonets with nickel plated blades, an etched ornate short Luftwaffe example with stag grips, and one the standard Feuerschutzpolizei design.

The Luftwaffe Bayonet is in great shape, and is definitely an upmarket example of the "short" pattern, with a nice "bird's head" nickel-plated alloy hilt. The mortise button and blade release are fully functional, though the felt insert is missing. The nickel plating is great, with just a bit of wear through on one side of the hilt. The blade shows only slight runner wear, with a bit of wear at the tip, and the original leather blade washer is present and in great shape. There is a lovely decorative etched panel on one side, which reads:

Zur Erinnerung
an meine Dienstzeit
bei der Fliegergruppe
im schönen SchwäbischHall

This is a rather standard type of message, and translates to "As a reminder of my service with the Fying Group in the beautiful Schwäbisch Hall." Originally known simply as "Hall", in 1934 its name was officially changed to Schwäbisch (Swabian) Hall. During WWII there was a Luftwaffe air base at nearby Hessental, which is most likely where the owner of this bayonet was stationed.

The reverse ricasso of this dagger is acid etched with maker name E. & F. HÖRSTER / SOLINGEN in an oval "lozenge" around the company's trademark downward pointing sword piercing interlocking HHS initials. E. & F. Hörster & Co Gmbh, is a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous "City of Blades" in Western Germany, which marketed many fine edged weapons. Originally founded in 1850 as "Friedrich Hörster" in 1850, the company was 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. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

The scabbard is straight throughout and still has about 90% of the original black paint. This really is a great scabbard, with very little age related degradation. There are a few areas of crazing and checking, as well as some paint chips, but nothing out of line with storage wear and age.

The Feuerschutzpolizei Bayonet is also nickel plated, and is a totally standard example of the "long" pattern, with a nice nickel-plated steel hilt, and the typical "S" shape crossguard used on the Fireman issue bayonet. The grip scales are the standard checkered bakelite, and are in very good condition, held in place by nickel rivets. The hilt has the typical "bird's head" design, but does not even have a faux bayonet catch, so it is completely smooth. The nickel plating is great, with only slight runner wear, and the original leather blade washer is present and in great shape. There are no markings whatsoever on this bayonet, so it was most likely made from unfinished blades sent to the retailer, and may have never been customized for the owner.

The scabbard is straight throughout and still has about 80% of the original black paint.  There are a few areas of crazing and checking, as well as some paint chipping, but nothing out of line with storage wear and age.

A lovely set of great condition German WWII 98K dress bayonets, ready to display!

Specifications Engraved Short Luftwaffe:
Blade Length: 7 5/8"
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 12 5/8"
Crossguard: 2 1/8”
Scabbard Length: 9"

Specifications Long Fireman's:
Blade Length: 9 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 15 1/2"
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard Length: 11"

  • This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
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