*German, WWII, Afrika Korps K98 Bayonet (Seitengewehr 84/98 III) (‘1941 asw’) by E. & F. Hörster, With Tan Camouflage Scabbard & Rare Web Frog*
An outstanding and highly desirable example of a WWII German Seitengewehr 84/98 III bayonet issued to the Deutsche Afrika Korps (DAK). This complete set includes the bayonet, an original wartime-painted tan steel scabbard, and a rare tropical web frog—textbook field equipment for the harsh North African campaign.
This bayonet set is strongly associated with the Afrika Korps, the German expeditionary force deployed to North Africa between 1941 and 1943 under General feldmarschall Erwin Rommel. Due to the extreme heat and dry climate, standard leather gear was unsuitable. Tropical web frogs and field-applied tan camouflage paint became common adaptations. A rare and particularly compelling feature of this example is the palm tree over swastika emblem etched into the pommel—iconic of the DAK. While this was not a standard factory marking, the emblem was widely used on DAK vehicles, field gear, and unit memorabilia. Its presence here suggests a field-applied personalisation or unit identification, likely made by the soldier or at the unit level. This kind of period modification dramatically enhances the collectability and historical value of the piece.
The Model: Seitengewehr 84/98 III
The Seitengewehr 84/98 III was the final and most widely issued wartime version of the German bayonet designed for use with the Karabiner 98k rifle, the standard infantry weapon of the Wehrmacht. Evolving from the earlier WWI-era 84/98 pattern, this model was simplified for mass production and field efficiency. It featured a fullered blade, steel fittings, and Bakelite grip plates, and notably omitted the muzzle ring—a design choice intended to improve barrel harmonics and streamline manufacturing.
Blade Length: Approx. 25 cm
Overall Length: Approx. 38.5 cm
Markings:
Ricasso: “4874 m” (serial number)
Obverse: “41 asw” (E. & F. Hörster, Solingen)
Pommel: Etched DAK emblem (palm tree over swastika in shield)
Grips: Black Bakelite, intact with minor wear
Scabbard: Wartime-painted in smooth desert tan over original finish; unmarked
Frog: Khaki web frog with faint ink stamp (appears 1941), correct DAK issue
*Condition*
The bayonet blade retains a good portion of its original blued finish with light patina and use marks consistent with service. The grips are in good condition with minor scuffing. The pommel is clean and well-defined, with a clear field-etched DAK insignia—a rare and desirable collector’s feature. The scabbard shows honest field wear with a period-applied tan camouflage paint, typical of tropical adaptations in North Africa. Some minor chipping and underlying original paint visible in places, but overall very presentable. The web frog is structurally intact with some wear to the strap and fraying to the edges. The ink stamp on the rear is partially legible, and it appears to be dated 1941. Web frogs were only used during the short operational period of the Afrika Korps, making them rare and sought after today. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
This is an all-original set with strong and authentic ties to the Afrika Korps. The combination of original tropical camouflage paint, intact web frog, and rare field-applied DAK insignia makes it especially desirable to collectors of WWII German militaria.
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