An original late-war 1944 CRS German K98 bayonet, with an exceptionally well-preserved blade. Although the scabbard is not a textbook example, the bayonet itself is a very attractive late-war piece, complete with an original period leather frog.

Blade

The blade is undoubtedly the highlight of this example, remaining in near mint condition with approximately 98% of its original blued finish still present. The edge remains completely unsharpened, while the blade displays the characteristic late-war machining marks, reflecting the simplified wartime manufacturing methods adopted during Germany’s final years of production.

The ricasso is clearly stamped with the serial number 9597 on one side, while the reverse is marked 44 CRS, denoting its 1944 production by Paul Weyersberg & Co., Solingen.

Hilt & Grips

The hilt is fitted with its original late-war brown Bakelite grip plates, both of which remain in excellent condition with no cracks, chips or damage, secured by the original screw bolts.

The flash guard remains free from damage, while the rifle retaining button operates correctly with a strong spring action. A single Waffenamt inspection stamp is present on the pommel.

Scabbard

The steel scabbard remains solid and retains its overall shape well, showing only minor age-related indentations from service and storage.

An interesting feature of this example is that the scabbard carries no visible maker’s mark, date, serial number or throat screw. This configuration is commonly encountered on late-war or arsenal-refinished scabbards, where identifying markings were removed during refurbishment and the original throat screw omitted or replaced during the rebuilding process.

Frog

Included is an original period leather frog retaining all four original rivets and complete stitching throughout. There is the usual small split around the scabbard stud opening, commonly found on original frogs after decades of use, but otherwise it remains a solid and honest example.

The frog also displays a small hole near the upper section, a feature frequently encountered on surviving examples where they were hung up. On the Inside of the upper section is a circular stamp, although the marking is too worn to identify.

Overall

This is a good original late-war 1944 CRS K98 bayonet featuring an exceptional near mint blade and attractive brown Bakelite grips. While the scabbard is not a textbook example, the quality of the bayonet itself more than compensates, and the price has been reflected accordingly. It remains a very decent representative of late-war German production.

Historical Note

The Seitengewehr 84/98, commonly referred to today as the K98 bayonet, was the standard bayonet issued with the Karabiner 98k rifle throughout the Second World War. Early production examples were fitted with wooden grip plates and exhibited a higher standard of finish. As wartime pressures increased, manufacturers introduced brown Bakelite grips and simplified machining techniques to speed production while conserving materials. Despite these changes, the K98 remained one of the most widely issued German edged weapons of the war and today is among the most collected military bayonets, with matching numbered and well-preserved examples commanding particular interest.

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