A Very nice WW2 German K98 bayonet, complete with scabbard and frog. This example is dated 1942 and was produced by Carl Eickhorn (cof) – one of the most prominent Solingen manufacturers of both combat and dress daggers during the Third Reich period.

Blade

The blade retains over 90% of its original bluing and remains unsharpened, showing very little service use. The ricasso is stamped “42 cof”, denoting manufacture in 1942 by Carl Eickhorn. The reverse bears the serial number 4082. The blade fits the scabbard perfectly.

Hilt & Grip

Fitted with wooden grips showing only light service wear and no cracks or damage. The rifle retaining button functions perfectly, and above it are the usual two Waffenamt inspection stamps. The flash guard remains in excellent, undamaged condition, and the grips are secured with the original two screw bolts.

Scabbard

The scabbard is straight, showing no damage or indentations. It still retains its throat screw and features a Waffenamt stamp on the lower ball. The front of the scabbard in numbered 8407, while the reverse is maker-marked “cof 43” again Carl Eickhorn. Although the two pieces did not start out life together, it is a bonus that both are from the same maker.

Frog

Comes complete with the correct leather k98 frog, which remains in very good condition, with all stitching and four rivets intact. The reverse of the frog is dated 1942, matching the bayonet itself, and shows a partially legible maker mark – a nice detail.

Overall

An excellent, untouched example, by the well respected Carl Eickhorn factory.

Historical Note

The K98 bayonet was standard issue for all German infantry during WW2, designed to mount to the Karabiner 98k rifle. Makers like Carl Eickhorn supplied huge quantities of both combat and dress bayonets to the Wehrmacht, their “cof” code becoming one of the most recognised Solingen markings of the period. Although K98 bayonets are a common item, it is far less common to find examples that remain undented, unsharpened, and still retain their original bluing, as seen here.