What do you think these bayonets are worth?

[matthewsq]

Hey there everyone,

I've been offered these two bayonets. The seller claims that the 98/05 has been shortened to a fighting knife for ww1. Im worried this is post war, can you guys help clear this up? Also a ww2 k98 bayonet, any problems, and what are the two worth?

Thanks a bunch,
Quinn

[Walkwolf]

I'd offer $150 - if you need or want them that bad. Find out what the seller
wants to get for them first, as it may be a lot less. The blade is not that
great on the K98 - it looks pitted and polished, and the price will also
be affected somewhat if the numbers match or not.

The quill-back bayonet/fighting knife is interesting and desireable,
but most likely has a replacement scabbard, so each
should be around $80 or so.

There are lots of K98's still available in much better shape.

[matthewsq]

Hmmm... did research for a bit and found out its probably a turkish shortened 98/05... I have heard that the turkish bayonets are worth less. Maybe I'll save up for a more desirable piece.

[rra227]

Looks like the cut down quillback has a Austrian scabbard. 98K matching numbers/makers? Any crossguard marks? Rich A. in Pa.

[CCMJR]

That's not a cut-down 98/05. It has the blade of a S98aA. Save your money for something better.

CCMJR

[Bruno]

Cut-down has really Austrian scabbard - but how the blade is matching this scabbard?

It might be very much front-line handicraft into trench knife, so I find this item quite interesting.

[matthewsq]

Thanks Rich, CCMJR and Bruno. CCMJR, how can you tell the difference between 98aa and 98/05? I did some more research on the turkish cut downs, and what I have found is that they usually grinded down all regimental numbers and other stamps and added their own. Also, CSZ manufactured scabbards were common. So I emailed the seller, and if this is what he replies I will think its a turkish conversion. Thanks for all he help so far!

P.S. this is the reply, regarding the K98 bayonet.
the scabbard has no markings at all, the blade has-
0241
a

on one side, then-
44asw

the other side

[Richie B]

Quinn

44asw made in 1944 by E&F Horster

0241a is the individual number of the bayonet - the original scabbard would have had the same markings.

Top photo - S98-05
Bottom photo - S98

Regards

Richie

[CCMJR]

Matthew,

As Richie shows, the most obvious difference is the width of the blade.

CCMJR