23678348

SECOND WORLD WAR GERMAN WEHRMACHT UNTEROFFIZIERE (NCO’S) KURZES SEITINGEWEHR 98 MODEL BAYONET AND SCABBARD MANUFACTURED BYE.U.F. HÖRSTER IN SOLINGEN, GERMANY.

This bayonet, manufactured by E.u.F. Hörster, Solingen is a very good original example of the Second World War German walking-out version of the KS 98 Bayonet. "Dress bayonets" were usually privately purchased by the soldier and could be worn off duty with "walking out dress" or on duty if the bayonet outwardly matched what was issued. Officers could also wear bayonets and there are pictures of junior Officers wearing one in lieu of a sword or dagger.

This bayonet is fitted with a pressed steel scabbard which retains much of its painted finish and in very good condition. The plated steel pommel and crossguard are in similarly good condition with a patina consistent with age and use. The 2 black composite plastic grips secured with brass rivets are also in very good condition and are original. The T mortice is operational and in similarly good Condition. The plated steel blade is very good and has an aged patina consistent with use and employment. The bayonet is still fitted with its original black leather bayonet frog and is in good serviceable condition. Frog stamped Circle B

This Kurtzes Seitengewehr (KS98) by E.u.F. Hörster, Solingen would most likely have been worn by Unteroffiziere. (NCO’s) wore the shorter model KS98 with a 20cm blade as this blade measures. It’s worth noting that approximately 90% of the KS98 that are found are private purchase bayonets. This pattern of bayonet had been in regular use since the beginning of the First War and remained in service until the end of the Second with only minor modifications.

Additional pictures available, including pictures of similar bayonets being worn. The image shows a Wehrmacht Heer Unteroffiziere, with his girlfriend while the following photograph shows the girlfriend of an enlisted Luftwaffe airman dressed in her boyfriend’s uniform, complete with belt and bayonet.

Price $300 and $20 shipping (except to WA)