K98 bayonet

[Pureg60]

k98 bayonet not in great condition.

[MAP]

A bit salty for sure but no doubt an original late war example.

Maybe the guys could give advice to clean it up to preserve it. But I would leave it as is.

Is the scabbard matching #'s to the blade? From what little I can see, it is not.

Maker appears to be "ffc" which is F. Herder and Son. Dated 1944. with number 3671 (and I think a "b" code)

Here is an example of one

http://k98.free.fr/44ffc-9a.html

[Pureg60]

Hi thanks for the reply


Yeah scabbard number looks like 2049 but it's been together a long time as my grandfather picked it up just after the war.

[MAP]

No doubt. Not uncommon for scabbards and blades to be swapped

[BrodieBartfast]

A fine 'been there' bayonet!
When it comes to combat equipment, I prefer well worn items to ones that are in mint or near mint condition. They may not be as visually appealing, but they hold history in spades. A rusty bayonet with chips and dents in the grips will have seen honest combat use, and that makes it far more valuable historically.
Just my opinion, but one I am certain is widely shared in collectors circles.

B.B.

[rbminis]

A fine 'been there' bayonet!
When it comes to combat equipment, I prefer well worn items to ones that are in mint or near mint condition. They may not be as visually appealing, but they hold history in spades. A rusty bayonet with chips and dents in the grips will have seen honest combat use, and that makes it far more valuable historically.
Just my opinion, but one I am certain is widely shared in collectors circles.

B.B.

A rusty item indicates neglect and not one I would add to my collection if I were looking to add one, chips and dents I can live with.
JMHO.
Ralph.

[Anderson]

Yes, it's not one I would buy, but if my grandfather had owned it it's a different thing. There's a family connection, even memories, that are associated with it and we treasure it for that reason rather than it's appearance.

[rbminis]

Yes, it's not one I would buy, but if my grandfather had owned it it's a different thing. There's a family connection, even memories, that are associated with it and we treasure it for that reason rather than it's appearance.

I agree completely.
My comment was directed at BB's comment about a rusty bayonet being more valuable historically.
Also, why I posted "if I were looking to add one"
Ralph.

[AndyB]

Yes it looks like untouched 44ffc, should be coated in oil and proof to gently clean it, b.r.Andy