Item Description
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 were stamped onto the top of the blade. On the reverse the batch number and suffix were stamped.
Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III
Markings: 58 / a / Elite-Diamant (On reverse)
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: Black Bakelite
The scabbard of this example bears the marking O.1373 P., a Kriegsmarine issue number O (Ostsee or Baltic Fleet), and issue number 1373. The frog also has a very small Kriegsmarine Eagle / M proof marking under the maker’s mark, which is very hard to see
Condition is very good, with most of the original bluing on blade except near the tip, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has however not been sharpened, and the finish on the hilt and scabbard is still well-retained, but is fading in places. The black bakelite grip scales are in very good condition, with no chips, and just some moderate scratches and dents. The handle is quite nice, though there is definitely finish loss and light oxidation from weathering, as the handle was not protected like the blade.
The scabbard shows a lot of finish loss and light oxidation, showing quite a bit of exposure to the elements during its service life. There is some denting, but nothing that prevents the blade from entering the scabbard.
The included leather frog is in very good condition, and is dated 1941, maker-marked to OTTO STEPHAN. The leather is still pliable and the securing strap is well-retained, albeit cracking and crazing.
The Elite-Diamant company mainly made bicycles and automobile components before the WWII period, when they started making bayonets in 1937. They made most using their pre-war "Zahlencode". The letter code "i" was only used for one year, 1941, after which they stopped production of bayonets. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.
An original German WWII Kriegsmarine marked 98k Bayonet and scabbard from a rare maker. Ready to clean up and 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"
- This product is available for international shipping. Shipping not available to: Australia, France, or Germany
- Due to legal restrictions this item cannot be shipped to Australia, France or Germany. This is not a comprehensive list and other countries may be added in the future.
- Not eligible for payment with Paypal or Amazon
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