M1884/98 III (Elite-Diamant, produced in 1936) Karabiner 98K bayonet

[ColonelKlink1942]

Apologies for the physical condition of this bayonet, this was one of the few that I first picked up when I didn't understand the importance of condition and being picky.

 

From the research I did before and after purchasing it, it appears to be an M1884/98 III ("III" being the "third pattern", produced from 1927-1930, and 1934-1945) used with the Karabiner 98K. I did some basic research on the markings, and I think, based on the "S/185" marking on the Ricasso, that Elite-Diamantwerke is the maker. On the spine of the blade, there is a "36", which I think is the production year, meaning it was produced in 1936. On the other side of the Ricasso is the serial number with block prefix "9496 over lowercase l". Near the tang but ahead of the mortise slot is a Waffenamt marking of "WaA218". This bayonet did not come with a scabbard. I'm sure I could find other numbers stamped into the tang if I removed the wooden grips, but for fear of damaging them, I won't be doing that.

 

I initially thought it was sent to Portugal or Spain, but I was wrong. It was most likely a standard Wehrmacht-service bayonet. Unfortunately, whether it was treated poorly, stored poorly, or even battle-dug, all the metal is rusted, the flash guard is missing, the press button is seized, and the original grips are gone and replaced with these.

 

I like to keep this bayonet around as a reminder of how to be more selective and careful with bayonet purchases (keeping condition, rarity, price, etc. in mind), and also to tell the story of neglect and how to care for and preserve the bayonets in our cherished collections.

 

Photos below: