A very attractive matching numbers WW2 German K98 bayonet, produced in 1940 by COF, the wartime code for Carl Eickhorn of Solingen – arguably the most prominent edged-weapon manufacturer of the Third Reich period. This piece presents well, and has strong original bluing throughout. The only drawback is that the blade has been sharpened, which stops it from being graded as mint condition. Apart from this, it remains a desirable, clean example, complete with a 1939-dated frog.

Blade:

The blade retains virtually all of its original bluing, with the serial number 9030 appearing on the front of the ricasso. On the reverse side we have the makers code COF, the wartime code for “Carl Eickhorn”. In terms of condition, the blade would be mint, but it has been sharpened, and the tip shows a slight alteration from this sharpening.

Hilt & Grips

Fitted with classic dark brown Bakelite grips, both undamaged and showing only minimal wear, held in place with the correct screw bolts. The rifle-retaining button functions perfectly, and the hilt displays excellent markings throughout, including the two usual Waffenamt inspection stamps on the pommel, an additional Waffenamt on the release button, and another Waffenamt positioned just above the flash-guard.

Scabbard:

The scabbard is in excellent overall condition, showing only light wear and no dents or indentations, with the majority of its original wartime bluing still present – noticeable stronger on the front than the reverse. The front of the scabbard is marked with the matching serial number 9030, confirming this scabbard has always lived with the blade. The reverse is stamped COF, and dated 1940. The throat screw is remains present, and the blade fits the scabbard snugly as it should.

Overall:

A very attractive, matching-numbers K98 from one of Solingen’s premier makers, Carl Eickhorn (COF). The blade sharpening is the only condition issue, and that has been reflected in the price.

Historical Note:

The K98 bayonet was designed as a multi-purpose combat tool for the German soldier, issued alongside the Karabiner 98K rifle throughout the Second World War. Beyond its role as a close-quarters fighting blade, its real day-to-day usefulness came from general field tasks – cutting brush, opening ammunition crates, clearing obstacles and basic utility work around camp.