A very attractive and honest example of a World War II German K98 bayonet, manufactured by E.&F. Horster and dated 1941, complete with its original scabbard and leather frog. This is a matching-numbers set with a particularly strong, near-mint blade, making it an excellent collector’s piece.

Blade

The blade is in near-mint condition, retaining approximately 98% of its original blued finish. It remains unsharpened and shows virtually no signs of use, apart from some fine scratches.
The blade ricasso is stamped with the serial number 3156 on one side, and 1941 with the maker code ASW on the reverse, the wartime code for E.&F. Horster.

Hilt & Grips

Fitted with very dark Bakelite grips, almost black in appearance, secured by the original two screw bolts. The crossguard, pommel, and muzzle ring retain a good percentage of their original blued finish.
The rifle retaining button functions correctly. Two Waffenamt inspection marks are present to the hilt, with a further Waffenamt stamp to the retaining button.

Scabbard

The scabbard retains a good amount of its original blued finish and remains solid throughout. The throat screw is present, and the bayonet fits the scabbard smoothly and snugly.
The serial number 3156 is stamped to the front, with 1941 ASW to the reverse, confirming this as a matching scabbard by E.&F. Horster. A couple of small indentations are present to the rear, but these are minor and not immediately noticeable. A Waffenamt inspection stamp is visible to the lower body.

Overall

A very pleasing matching-numbers K98 bayonet set. The combination of an excellent blade, matching numbers scabbard, and original frog, makes this example very collectable.

Historical Note

The K98 bayonet was the standard bayonet of the German Wehrmacht during World War II, issued alongside the Karabiner 98k rifle. Production was carried out by numerous Solingen manufacturers under coded markings to conceal factory identities. E.&F. Horster, operating under the code ASW, was one of the recognised wartime producers, supplying bayonets for service across all theatres of the war.

All items are carefully packed for safe transit.