A solid, honest WWII German K98 bayonet with matching numbers to the blade and scabbard, produced in 1941 by fnj (Alexandra Koppel & Co.). The piece presents well with its original Bakelite grips, clear markings and a strong condition wartime frog. The blade has seen sharpening, which is reflected in the price.

Blade

The blade retains much of its original bluing and remains straight with a clean point. It has been sharpened at some stage, typical of a field-used bayonet, and this has been taken into account when pricing. The ricasso carries the matching serial number 2887.
The reverse of the blade is stamped 41 fnj, confirming the date 1941, and manufactured by fnj (Alexandra Koppel & Co.) a well known manufacturer during this period. Despite the sharpened blade, it still displays well, and is better than most.

Hilt & Grips

Fitted with dark Bakelite grips showing only light wear, and secured by two screw bolts. The pommel displays the two usual Waffenamt stamps, and the rifle release catch operates properly, also showing a further Waffenamt stamp on the button. The flash-guard is in excellent condition, and free from any indentations.

Scabbard

A clean wartime scabbard with no dents or structural issues.
The front is stamped with the matching serial number 2887, and the reverse is marked 41 fnj, pairing correctly with the blade.
The lower ball carries a Waffenamt stamp, and the throat screw is present.
The blade fits the scabbard snugly, as expected from a true matching set.

Frog

A very good wartime frog with all stitching intact, with the leather being strong and flexible. The rear is maker-marked to Adolf Bockemühl, which is always a bonus, as most maker-marks on frogs are hard to read, due to wear and age. All four rivets are intact, although two have lost their small front caps, but the rear sections remain firmly in place. A very good condition maker-marked leather frog.

Overall

A respectable matching-numbers K98 bayonet from 1941, with strong markings, good grips, a sound scabbard and an excellent wartime frog. The blade sharpening is the only drawback for some collectors, but overall, a very decent K98 bayonet.

Historical Note

By 1941, the K98 bayonet was standard issue across all German fronts. Examples marked fnj 41 represent mid-war production by Alexandra Koppel & Co., and surviving matching-number sets have always been very sort after.