Original German WWII 98k 1941 dated Bayonet by E. & F. Hörster with Scabbard & Frog - Matching Serial 2850 y

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: 2850 / y and 41 asw

Material: Blued steel

Grip material: Black Bakelite

Condition is very good with bluing on blade, bakelite grips intact and a working locking button. We did notice that the bluing in the blade, which is only partly retained on the handle, is a "plum" color, which may indicate post war refinishing, however the markings on the blade are still very crisp. The blade has the original factory "sharpening", which did not really make the blade sharp: that was up to the soldier. We can see runner wear on the blade, as well as some water stains from the scabbard runner, which were cleaned away. The red bakelite grips are in very good condition, showing light wear, with no cracks, chips, or other major damage. The handle and cross guard have lost most of the original finish, and now show a speckled oxidized patina. The scabbard is in good shape, still showing the original blued finish well, though it is a bit worn.

The front of the scabbard and blade ricasso bear matching serial number 02850 / y, and the rear of the scabbard and blade ricasso are marked with German three letter code 41 asw indicating 1943 manufacture by the well-known maker E. & F. Hörster & Co. Gmbh. According to J. Anthony Carter's book, GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the company was originally founded in 1850 as "Friedrich Hörster" in 1850. It was then renamed to E. & F. Hörster in 1870 at the behest of Friedrich Emil & Fritz Hörster. The firm lasted long after WWII, finally being declared insolvent in 1996. The pommel is stamped with double Waffenamt WaA883 proofs, correct for this maker1940-1942.

Bayonet and scabbard come complete with an original black leather frog, which fits the scabbard nicely. It is in very good condition, and is the early war pattern with aluminum rivets. It has an intact securing strap with an aluminum stud, which still can be secured around the handle of the bayonet. The stitching looks to be fully intact, and we could not see any markings on the leather.

A very nice example of a German WWII Matching 98k Bayonet and scabbard by a highly desirable maker, complete with an original leather frog. Ready to 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"