K98 Bayonets and Boot Knife

World War Two K98 bayonets were a favorite bring-back souvenir for US GIs as they were readily available — issued to virtually every German infantryman and found in enormous quantities as the Wehrmacht surrendered or retreated across Europe. The K98 bayonet is one of the most common German militaria items, yet original examples with intact scabbards and frogs remain desirable.

The K98 Karabiner 98k was the standard German infantry rifle throughout the war, and its bayonet was a practical field tool as much as a weapon. Produced by dozens of manufacturers across Germany and occupied Europe, each bayonet carries maker codes and date stamps that allow precise attribution.

Alongside the bayonets, this grouping includes a German boot knife — a short, double-edged blade designed to be carried concealed in the jackboot. US soldiers quickly learned to check surrendering Germans for these hidden blades.