A very honest late-war K98 bayonet produced in 1944 by FZE (F.W. Höller). The blade is genuinely near mint—in absolute superb condition. Typical 1944 production shows crude machining, rushed finishing and lack of refinement as Germany’s industry collapsed. Non-matching numbers, though bayonet and scabbard share the same year, which is always a bonus. A  late-war example with a near mint blade .

Blade

Dated 1944 with maker code FZE on one side of the ricasso, and the serial 5993 on the reverse. The blade retains around 98% original bluing, unsharpened, undamaged and extremely clean. All the correct late-war machining marks are visible—nothing polished smooth, exactly as these left the factory. The blade is unquestionably the standout feature.

Hilt & Grips

Fitted with Bakelite grips showing only light handling wear, no chips or cracks. Both grip screws present and undisturbed, with the rifle retaining button being fully functional. Flash guard shows minor indentations and scratches from service. The hilt is crudely machined with no attempt at the rounded finish seen on earlier K98s. Its coarse, angular and very late-war in appearance – the sort of work collectors often call a “Friday afternoon job”, when speed clearly took priority over refinement. The hilt carries a single clear Waffenamt stamp.

Scabbard

The scabbard is undented and solid, with serial 2813 to the front. The reverse is 44 dated with maker code cvl (WKC), and the lower ball carries a clear Waffenamt. The throat screw is present and original. Much of the original bluing remains, with some light surface rust mainly to the front, but it still presents very well. The blade sits in the scabbard with a perfect, snug fit.

Overall

A very crudely made late-war 1944 K98 bayonet with a superb near-mint blade and an undamaged scabbard dated the same year. Late-war bayonets are much scarcer, and finding one with a blade this clean is rare. A textbook example of end-stage German wartime production.

Historical Note

By 1944, German factories faced severe shortages of materials, skilled labour and time. Bayonets from this period show rough grinding, coarse machining and simplified finishing—traits collectors now recognise as correct late-war characteristics.  Surviving 1944 pieces with exceptional blades are highly sought after for illustrating the realities of late-war production.