Modified S98/05 Bayonet for Bavarian Police (Kurzes Seitengewehr)

[Slash]

Here is an unusual modification of a WWI period S98/05 shortened for use by the Bavarian Police. The original S98/05 was essentially redesigned to mimic a S/84/98. These modifications and issue to the Bavarian Police date from the late 1920s into the early '30s. The S98/05's blade was shortened as well as narrowed and the original upswept quillon removed. The locking nut has been slotted. The maker's mark as well as any Imperial proof marks and frakturs were removed (scrubbed) from the blade, spine, pommel, and bolts. All metal surfaces of the bayonet have been blued. The blade length is 257 mm which is consistent with a standard S84/98. The scabbard is purpose manufactured being slightly heavier and more robust than that of the S84/98. This is especially noticeably in the area of the frog hanging hook, thick throat fitting, and side screw. A Police issue/accountability number has also been stamped to the reverse of the scabbard and the bayonet's crossguard. Have also scanned a section from a period manual illustrating the Blank Waffen der Bereitschaftspolizei. The document describes the bayonets as Kurzes, Langes, and Kurzes (Conversion [umgeändert] of the Langen Seitengewehr).

 

[AndyB]

Certainly a interesting piece.Thanks for sharing it.

 

[MilsurpDan]

Interesting. What was the purpose of the modification? Just to have a lighter, handier bayonet?

I think I might have actually just bought one of these earlier this evening out of a pile of bayonets. It looks like an S84/98 bayonet but it’s blued and has similar characteristics as yours.

 

[AndyB]

The short bayonet was more practical for use by Police, similar to PSG which were shortened on blades in late 30ies. S98/05 raised as a pioneer bayonet and the first purpose was it use it as a tool, most earliest were sawback version.

 

[Slash]

Interesting. What was the purpose of the modification? Just to have a lighter, handier bayonet?

Andrej is correct in his response. Would only add that there were literally millions of "surplus" S98/05 available from the 1st WW and they were much more common than the purpose made S84/98 types. The shift toward shorter "knife bayonets" was well underway ....