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. Early WWII bayonets from some makers also had markings on the spine.

Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98 III

Markings: 4572 / b, CARL EICKHORN and 40 (on spine)

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Ribbed Bakelite

Condition of the bayonet is very good, with some original bluing on blade, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. This blade still has the original factory "blunt" edge for most of its length, except near the tip of the blade. It does show finish wear and some areas of water oxidation, now cleaned off. The bakelite grip scales are in good shape, with no chips, and just some light service wear. The bluing on the handle is quite nice, with a bit of wear and oxidation. The scabbard does show much wear to the finish, with a few dents and light oxidation. From what we can see, this looks like a bayonet that was carried around a lot, but not used very often.

The scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 4572 / b. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and the blade ricasso is also marked by maker CARL EICKHORN, a legendary edged weapon producer from Solingen, the "City of Blades" in the mountains of Western Germany. The spine of the blade is marked 40, for 1940, and the scabbard is marked CARL EICKHORN / 1940 on the reverse. Shortly after this manufacturers made the move to three letter codes, so this is a very nice matched early war example.

According to  J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

An original early war German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a highly desirable maker. 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"