BACKGROUND: The K98 bayonet was a modification of the already modified S84/98 bayonet that had been originally developed in 1915. Manufacture of this new modified bayonet began in 1934 with mass production beginning in 1936. The K98 bayonet was a standard issue item and was accompanied by a bayonet frog to be worn on the reverse left side of the weight bearing waist belt. The K98 bayonet remained the standard issue bayonet through-out the war with minor manufacturing variations. As the war continued the quality of the bayonets deteriorated and in mid-1944 most manufacturers discontinued producing the bayonet to concentrate on producing other essential war materials.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: The roughly, 10" long, drop forged, steel construction blade with wide fullers, retains about 70% of its original blueing with light to moderate surface spotting and some light sharpening scars. Both sides of the ricasso are well marked with the stamped serial number, "8091 c", to the obverse and the manufacturer’s name to the reverse, "E. Pack & S.", and the spine has the stamped date, "38". The opened muzzle ring cross guard, the flash guard and the stylized eagle head pommel only retain remnants of their original bluing and show moderate surface spotting. The "TO" slotted, stylized eagle head pommel is well marked with dual, waffen-amt stamps. The rifle attachment stud button still functions and also has a faint waffen-amt stamp. The bayonet has molded, dark brown, bakelite grips with seven diagonally angled grooves for better grip. The grips are secured to the tang by two, flush, screw head bolts. The bayonet’s scabbard is absent.

GRADE ***                             PRICE $96.00