BACKGROUND: The second pattern (the first were conversions of S 71/84 bayonets) model 1884/98 bayonet were first introduced in 1915 as a short-blade wartime utility bayonet, and known as the S 84/98 nA ("Seitengewehr 84/98 neuer Art," or, Bayonet ‘84/‘98 new Pattern). Production of the S 84/98 nA was from 1915 to 1917.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Produced by the firm of Gebruder Heller. The unsheathed bayonet has an overall length of 15". Its contoured bird’s head pommel has a stud guide and locking stud. Its contoured wooden grips are fixed by two plain-headed bolts and slot-headed washers. Visible through the rectangular cuts to the base of each grip is a circular cleaning hole. The grips have darkened with age. A sheet steel flash guard runs along the top of the grips between the stud guide and cross guard. The flash guard has quite a few dings and dents from period use. The steel cross guard has a scalloped muzzle guide to its top, but only a short extension to its base. All of the metal elements of the hilt are moderately to heavily surface spotted. The 9 7/8" bright blade, which is 1" wide near the guard, has wide fullers along most of its length. The spine of the blade is "saw-backed". The blade exhibits light to moderate surface spotting. Blade is marked "GEBR, HELLER MARIENTHAL" to one side and "ERFURT" to the other. Scabbard is construction from leather with steel throat and drag. Fitting show pitting and use, but are all complete. The nice thing about this example is that it was issued to a machine gun unit. Reverse of the scabbard throat is marked "2 E.M.G IX 50 ".

GRADE **3/4                             PRICE $468.00