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Loc. 731
All photos are the actual item for sale.
****Scabbard and bayo serials are NOT MATCHING****
Includes Bayo, scabbard and frog.
Condition notes:
Bayo blade has cosmetic wear, scratches and some light oxidation spots throughout.
Scabbard also has a good amount of wear, scratches, missing paint, some oxidation.
Frog stud opening on the frog is torn and missing. Frog has wording stamped on the back but it's very difficult to make out. Shows extensive wear andage.
This is a very good example of a pre-war German K98 bayonet produced in secrecy in the build up to World War Two and is a rare find for the serious German K98 collector.
Most bayonets and scabbard from this time History
Soon after rise to power, the German war machine started to rearm, in direct contravention of the Treaty of Versailles. In order to keep the identities of the manufacturers’ secret, S-prefix maker codes were used. Between 1934 and 1935 there were twelve private sector manufacturers and each was assigned an S prefix code with the three digit number that followed being unique to each manufacturer. Bayonets produced during this period have walnut grip scales and are of outstanding workmanship. All have waffenamt acceptance stamps on their pommels.
This example was made in 1934 by Alexander Coppel, as indicated by the S173 serial number. The serial number ends with the letter K which identifies the year of manufacture as 1934.
The 252mm single edged blade has a deep single fuller on both sides. The blade is marked on the ricasso with the S-code, “S173K.” The obverse ricasso bears the stamp “6544” over an italicised letter/symbol a.
The steel pommel bears two inspection stamps, of letter and number combinations below the German eagle. The working press stud also bears a Waffenampt. The walnut grip scales are in good condition and are held firmly in place by two screws.
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