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: 9230 / b, 41 (on spine) and i

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Black Bakelite

Condition is very good, with most of the original bluing on blade, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has however been sharpened, and the finish on the hilt and scabbard is almost completely cleaned away, most likely from years of service and cleaning. The black bakelite grip scales are in very good condition, with no chips, and just some light 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 scabbard and blade bear matching serial numbers 9230 / b. The pommel is Waffenamt marked and he blade ricasso is also marked with German letter code i, with a date of 41 stamped onto the spine, while the scabbard is marked i / 41 on the reverse.. This indicates 1941 manufacture by the rare maker Elite-Diamant AG, then located in Siegmar-Schönau bei Chemnitz.

This 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 Matching 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"