These German 84/98 bayonets were converted from the S71/84 Bayonets and produced from 1909 to fit the mauser M98 rifle. While they were a new type they made use of converted blades from the previous standard pattern bayonet, the 71/84, fitted to a new hilt and with the muzzle ring removed.

This is a very nice example with a good clean blade and only a small patch of some minor pitting to the spine of the blade. The makers mark on the ricasso reads, Alex Coppel Solingen, which is one of eight makers of this particular blade, and on the spine of the blade we have a “W” under a crown, over “88”, indicating that the blade was manufactured in 1888, a year in which three Kings ruled in Germany. The wooden grip plates show no damage and are in excellent condition and held in place with two screw bolts. The rifle retaining button works perfectly and there are two inspection stamps to the rear upper pommel, one under the crossguard and one on the tang.

The crossguard and upper scabbard fitting are nicely unit marked with the top one reading 4.R.8.186. and the bottom one reading 115.R.R.316. these would indicate the rifle number, the company and the reserve infantry. Unit marked bayonets are great for collectors who enjoy the research side of collecting.

The leather on the scabbard has all its stitching intact and shows no signs of shrinkage like we can often see on this type scabbard. The staples on the two scabbard fitting are in place and the mounts are also inspection stamped. A very nice bayonet.