K98 bayonet – S.178 – Wood grips
Ever since the introduction of the K98 bolt action rifle or Karabiner 98 Kurz as a replacement for the G98 or Gewehr 98 a new, shorter bayonet was designed. The K98 bayonet was officially named Seitengewehr 84/98 or SG 84/98. The bayonet was designed as a close combat sidearm that could be placed on the tip of a K98.
The total length of the K98 bayonet was 38,7 cm in contrary to the 50.2 cm long G98 bayonet. The blade was also more straight and the hand guard was omitted. The K98 bayonet was carried in a leather frog or Seitengewehrtragetasche. It was carried on the equipment belt in combination with the shovel and it’s carrier.
Model bayonet: Seitengewehr 84/98
Markings: S.178 – 6667 – 36
Maker: Gebr.Heller, Marienthal
Year: 1936
Material: Blued steel
Grip material: Wood
Notes: – This bayonet is named to W. Lietz who carved his name in the wooden grip of the bayonet. The bayonet had a wartime conversion where the numbers on the scabbard restamped to match the bayonet. This was done during the war by a unit armourer because Lietz probably lost his bayonet and probably to match the number noted in his Soldbuch.
