~ WW2 German K98 Rifle Bayonet by E&F Hörster ~
The bayonet comes with its scabbard. The blade is serial numbered 5304t and bears the manufacturer's code42asw - E&F Hörster (E. & F. Hörster Stahlwarenfabrik).
The safety catch push button is stamped with the matching serial number.
~ Condition ~
The bayonet is excellent with a nice, clean blade. Please refer to the pictures for condition.
Description:
Blade:
The blade of the K98k bayonet is single-edged with a slight curve and a fuller (groove) running along both sides to reduce weight.
It measures approximately 10 inches (25 cm) in length, although slight variations exist depending on the manufacturer and model.
The blade is made of high-carbon steel and is finished with a blued or polished surface.
Hilt:
The hilt includes a metal pommel and grip scales made of wood, Bakelite (a type of early plastic), or synthetic materials.
The grip scales are secured with screws or rivets and have a textured surface for better handling.
A locking mechanism is integrated into the pommel, allowing the bayonet to securely attach to the rifle's bayonet lug.
Crossguard:
The crossguard features a straight or slightly curved quillon with a muzzle ring that fits over the rifle barrel for stability when mounted.
Scabbard:
The scabbard is made of steel, often blued or painted black, and includes a frog stud for attaching to a leather frog on the soldier’s belt.
Some scabbards have serial numbers matching the bayonet for identification.
Markings:
Bayonets are marked with the manufacturer's code (e.g., "asw" for E&F Hörster), the production year, and sometimes the serial number.
Some also bear acceptance stamps (Waffenamt marks), indicating inspection and approval by the German military.
History:
Introduction:
The K98k rifle bayonet was designed as an accessory for the Karabiner 98k, the standard-issue rifle of the German Wehrmacht during World War II.
The K98k bayonet was based on earlier designs used with the Gewehr 98 and other German rifles, evolving for compatibility with the shorter and more versatile K98k rifle.
Standardization:
The standard K98k bayonet model is the S84/98 III, which became the most widely used German bayonet during WWII.
It was standardized to ensure interchangeability between rifles and bayonets, regardless of the manufacturer.
Production:
Production of K98k bayonets began in the mid-1930s and continued throughout WWII.
Numerous manufacturers in Germany and occupied territories produced these bayonets, including:
E&F Hörster (code "asw")
Carl Eickhorn (code "cof")
WKC (code "44fnj")
Other firms with coded markings to obscure their identities.
As the war progressed, materials and craftsmanship were simplified to meet wartime demands.
Use in Combat:
The K98k bayonet served primarily as a close-combat weapon and a multi-purpose tool (e.g., cutting, prying, or digging).
When mounted on the K98k rifle, it extended the weapon's length for use in hand-to-hand combat.
In practice, bayonets were rarely used in direct combat but were carried by soldiers as part of their standard equipment.
Variants:
Dress Bayonets: Non-functional versions with decorative features were issued for ceremonial use by officers and NCOs.
Modified Bayonets: Some were shortened or altered during wartime due to resource shortages or specific needs.
Post-War:
After WWII, surplus K98k bayonets were widely distributed and repurposed by other countries or sold on the civilian market.
Many were used by post-war militaries or converted into utility knives.
