Original German WWII 1939 Dated 98k Bayonet by Paul Weyersberg with Scabbard & Tropical DAK Web Frog - Matching Serial 5337 g

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: 5337 / g, P. WEYERSBERG, and 39 (on spine)

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Ribbed Dark Brown Bakelite

Condition is very good with original bluing on blade, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. The blade has definitely been sharpened, and definitely has a good edge, so it should be handled with care. This has unfortunately worn away the finish where the blade was ground, and there is also the usual runner wear. The dark brown bakelite grip scales are in good shape, with no chips, and just some light wear. The bluing on the handle is quite nice, and has just a bit of wear and oxidation staining. The scabbard is in very good shape, still showing some of the original bluing, though it is worn and there is some shallow denting on the reverse.

The front of the scabbard and blade ricasso bear matching serial number 5337/ g, and the rear of the scabbard and blade ricasso are marked by maker P. WEYERSBERG (Paul Weyersberg), a well-known maker from Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in the mountains of Western Germany. The pommel is stamped with double Waffenamt WaA253 proofs, correct for this maker. The spine of the blade and rear of the scabbard are also marked 39, for 1939. Shortly after this manufacturers made the move to three letter codes, so this is a very nice matched early war example. For more information please see Watts & White, The Bayonet Book, page 193, item 296.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original DAK web frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. The tan colored web frog is fully intact, though there is a tiny bit of wear to the stitching around the hole for the scabbard button. The reinforcement on the back of the strap button is mostly intact. There are unfortunately no legible markings on the frog, as they were ink stamped and readily wear off.

An lovely original pre war German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a highly desirable maker, complete with a rare original Tropical DAK web frog. 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"