Item:
KZ0237

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

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 long dress bayonets with nickel plated blades, which have not been customized or otherwise adorned. One is for the Fire Protection Police, and the second is the standard Wehrmacht issue, which could be used by any branch of the German armed forces.

The Feuerschutzpolizei Bayonet is 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 handle plating is well retained, with a lovely oxidized patina.

The nickel plating on the blade is great as well, with only slight runner wear, and the original leather blade washer is present and in great shape. The rear ricasso of the blade is stamped with the trademark logo of Ernst Pack & Söhne. The mark shows their trademark "Young Siegfried wielding a hammer" Logo above:

E. PACK & SÖHNE
SOLINGEN

Per J. Anthony Carter's book GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this firm used this trademark on Army Officer swords and dress bayonets from the early war period to the middle of the war. They mostly made daggers so there is not as much information regarding the bayonets. The company survived the war, until it was sold in the 1960s to another knife company from Solingen, and the maker mark continued to be used into the 1990s.

The scabbard is straight throughout and still has about 90% 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.

The Wehrmacht Bayonet is in great shape, and also has a nickel plated blade, 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 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 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.

A lovely set of great condition German WWII 98K dress bayonets, one by a well-known Solingen maker, ready to display!

Specifications Fireman's:
Blade Length: 9 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 14 1/2"
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 11"

Specifications Wehrmacht:
Blade Length: 9 3/4"
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 14 3/4"
Crossguard: 2 2/4”
Scabbard Length: 11"

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