Let’s be honest from the outset — this is not a piece that’s going to win any awards for overall condition. Externally it shows heavy age and long-term storage wear, and we make no attempt to dress it up as something it isn’t. But then you draw the blade, and the story changes. What reveals itself is an unexpectedly fine blade that feels like a real sleeper, clearly protected for many years inside the scabbard.

Pieces like this have always appealed to me, as I believe they tell two histories. The first is their life in wartime service, and the second is the quieter story that followed — decades of storage, movement, and survival until they reach us today. In many ways, that second life adds just as much character as the first. Not a condition-led example, but a bayonet with strong originality and genuine story appeal.

Blade

Unsharpened blade retaining an exceptional finish for a wartime example, showing near-mint condition with a clean edge and strong point. Dated 1939 to the spine, with the maker mark, E. Pack & Sohn to the reverse ricasso, and the serial number 3353 to the front. The contrast between the preserved blade and the heavily aged exterior strongly suggests prolonged storage within the scabbard.

Hilt & Grips

Original Bakelite grips in very good, honest condition, remaining tight and free from damage. Steel fittings show heavy age oxidation throughout, including the crossguard and pommel. Two Waffenamt acceptance stamps are present to the hilt, with a further Waffenamt stamp to the rifle-retaining catch. Despite the overall external wear, the locking mechanism remains fully functional. Grip bolts are original and present, now well set with age.

Scabbard

Original steel scabbard showing extensive surface oxidation from long-term storage. No dents or structural damage noted. Due to the heavy age-related surface oxidation, any rear scabbard markings — such as serial number, maker, or date — are now extremely difficult to read. There is a strong possibility that matching numbers remain present beneath the surface; however, these have been intentionally left undisturbed, as no attempt has been made to remove rust or clean the metal purely to reveal stamps.

Frog

Original leather frog present and fitted to the scabbard, now hardened with age and showing clear evidence of having remained in place for many years. Stitching remains approximately 95% intact, with honest service and storage wear throughout. Maker mark and date to the rear are present but heavily softened by age; the date is believed to read 1941. All four rivets remain in place.

Overall

A heavily aged but completely original K98 bayonet set that offers a genuinely pleasant surprise — externally rugged, yet revealing a remarkably clean blade when drawn from the scabbard. A fine example of how time can quietly protect as much as it weathers, giving this piece real character and collector appeal.

Historical Note

The K98 bayonet was standard issue for the German Wehrmacht throughout WWII, produced by a wide range of manufacturers including E. Pack & Sohn. Early-war example sets such as this, showing prolonged storage with minimal blade wear, provide a fascinating insight into how wartime equipment survived long after active service ended.

All items are carefully packed for safe transit.