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: 8799 c, MUNDLOS and 38
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: Ribbed Bakelite

Condition is very good, with lots of original bluing on blade, nice black bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has arsenal sharpening, and was then reblued after that, and is still relatively sharp. There is some light runner wear, but overall the blade is very nice, having been protected by the scabbard. The grip scales are in good shape, with no major chips, and just some light scratches. The bluing on the handle and scabbard is also in great shape, so this does not look like a bayonet that saw much use in the field.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 8799 / c, and the pommel is Waffenamt marked. Both scabbard and blade are also marked MUNDLOS, This indicates manufacture by Mundlos AG in Magdeburg-Nord. This company was a maker of sewing-machines in peacetime, but was pressed into service to make 98K bayonets and mortar bodies. The spine of the blade is dated 38, and the scabbard has a matching maker marking on the reverse over 1938.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The frog shows only light wear, though the leather is a bit stiff now. It is a mid-late war example, which did not have the securing strap, and has galvanized steel rivets, not aluminum. It has all rivets present, and the correct white stitching. The back is maker marked and dated O. REICHEL / LENGEFELD / 42.

Also wrapped around the frog is a very nice Enlisted Man's Dress Bayonet Troddel, which has the color sequence Red, White, Red, for the 2nd company of a regiment. This would be used by Infantry, Artillery, Pioneer, and various other units.

An original excellent German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a rare maker, complete with a troddel and frog . Ready to display or fit to your 98K rifle!