Sawback K98 Bayonet

Product Description: This sawback K98 bayonet is a rare and desirable variant. It is from the First World War, with the technical designation S84/98. It doesn’t appear that the blade or handle were ever blued; it appears to have a plated finish. The blade has some light freckling and gray spots, but no nicks or damage. The original factory edge is still intact. There is a light coating of protective oil on the blade. On the ricasso, the blade is stamped with a commercial type marking for the firm of F. Koeller & Co. in Solingen. The handle is nice, showing only normal wear and age. The wooden grip plates have a pleasant old patina. This sawback K98 bayonet comes with its original, correct scabbard, intended for use with a saw back bayonet like this. The scabbard retains approximately 85 percent of the original black painted finish, and shows even use wear. There are no dents to the scabbard. Ocverall, this hard to find bayonet remains in excellent condition. It’s a great example of this sought-after bayonet style.

Historical Description: The bayonet was an important part of the combat equipment of the German soldier in both World Wars. The first pattern of German combat bayonet was the Mauser model 1898 which had a long, slender blade. As a result of experiences in combat use in WWI, it was soon decided to shorten the blades on these weapons. This 1898 pattern bayonet was used early in WWI alongside the 1898/05 and the S84/98 bayonets, which were initially shorter, and stronger, than the unmodified 1898 type. Both of these types were made with and without a saw-backed blade. Due to the challenges faced by German industry and the shortages of raw materials, a variety of “Ersatz” (replacement) types were introduced during WWI. After the war, the S84/98 bayonet became standard issue in the Reichswehr and later, in the Wehrmacht, for troops armed with the K98 rifle (the standard WWII German infantry weapon). The bayonets made for issue with the K98 rifle initially had wooden grips. Later, some bayonets were made with Bakelite grips. The bayonets were worn on the belt by means of a leather frog, of which there were a number of prewar and wartime variations including a short bayonet frog for use with the folding shovel, and a webbing frog for tropical use. In 1942, a new model of bayonet was introduced, knows as the SG42. This was a very modernized bayonet, with a comfortable Bakelite grip, and a relatively short blade that made it ideal for use either as a bayonet or a fighting knife. Within the grip was a removable multi-tool insert with a folding knife/bottle opener, awl and screwdriver. Although the SG42 was proposed as a replacement for the S84/98, few were manufactured. German combat bayonets were made in countless variations and all are very collectible today, with some rare variants being very avidly sought-after.

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