*Norweigan M1957 SLG Bayonet – Modified Original WW2 German Seitengewehr M1884/98 Mark 3 Bayonet and Matching Scabbard, dated 1941*
This is an excellent example of a Norweigan M1957 SLG Bayonet which is a converted Seitengewehr M-1884/98 Bayonet. The Seitengewehr 98 (literally meaning ‘sidearm’), also known as the “Butcher’s Blade”, is a bayonet used with the Gewehr 98 rifle by Germany. It was designed in response to the French Épée-Baïonnette Modèle 1886. Although many bayonets of the time used a muzzle ring, Mauser avoided one since these altered the vibration harmonics of the barrel when fired, affecting accuracy.
Blade 250mm blade, 382mm overall. 41. Cul is marked on the ricasso suggesting it was made by Ernst Pack & Son, Solingen in 1941 and the serial number 7092 C on the reverse. On the pommel are two small waffenampts (the government inspection stamps found on most World War II era German military equipment. Single edge long fullered blade, bakelite grips, sheet-metal flashguard along one tang (this was added from 1916 to prevent charring of the wooden grips when mounted to the shortened Kar98a rifle.) The black metal scabbard also has the ’41. Cul’ embossed. The scabbard has a waffenamptson the ball filial.
The life of this bayonet SG 84/98 3 did not end with the demise of Nazi Germany. Norway inherited a quantity of Kar 98k rifles and SG. 84/98 III bayonets from their German occupiers. When the USA provided Norway with M-1 Garand rifles, the Norwegians modified 5,000 SG 84/98 III bayonets to mount to the M-1 rifle. Designated the M/1957 SLG (Selv Lessing Gevær or Self Loading Rifle), it is distinctive in having an adapter brazed to the crosspiece that fits into the Garand rifle’s gas plug (similar to the USM-5 bayonet). The scabbard is also modified to attach to the U.S.-style web equipment belt.
*Condition*
This blade is in excellent condition and is still fully blued(which may have been redone when the bayonet was converted). The pommel and crossguard retain some blueing and the grip is in good condition. The button presses nicely. The scabbard fits snugly and shows minor age related wear and tear. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
JAQA00_3357132849-2
