What Is a Bayonet Worth?

Updated: August 2026

Pieces from a named maker with fully intact original bluing in top condition reach 360 to 400 euros. The rarer saw-back version sits at 190 to 200 euros, and a parade bayonet for officers with an original frog and sword knot at around 280 euros. What decides the price is the maker, the completeness of blade and scabbard, and the condition of the bluing.

Guide Values by Version and Condition

All figures are guide prices based on real sale and asking prices from German specialist dealers (as of August 2026). The actual price depends on the individual piece — send us photos and we'll give you a concrete figure.

For comparison: a newly made reproduction of the S84/98 III (modern 1065 steel, screwed-on hardwood grip scales, openly sold as a reproduction) goes for just under 80 euros. A listing that promises an "original from the period" at this price and in flawless condition deserves closer scrutiny.

Source: waffen-schaulade.de (77,83 €), retrieved 2026-08-28

What pulls the value up: a maker's mark on the blade that can be attributed by name, a matching, undamaged scabbard, an original frog and — on parade pieces — a sword knot. Matching numbers between blade and scabbard are rare, but where documented, a plus point.

Original or Fake?

Five features we check for:

1. Wehrmacht acceptance stamp. The blade and scabbard carry acceptance stamps (WaA), sometimes applied more than once. If they are missing on a piece sold as Wehrmacht factory issue, that's a warning sign — though on its own not proof, since not every surviving mark has stayed legible.
2. Numbering of blade and scabbard. Many factory pieces carry serial numbers on blade and scabbard that don't necessarily have to match — on a genuine piece known to us, for instance, blade 2682 and scabbard 1687. A mismatch therefore doesn't automatically devalue a piece; but "matching-number" examples with documented correspondence often fetch higher prices.Source: team-militaria.de (Klingen-Nr. 2682, Scheiden-Nr. 1687), retrieved 2026-08-28
3. Material and fitting of the grip scales. The Wehrmacht version (Version III) typically carries grip scales made of Bakelite, earlier versions (I and II) of wood. The method of attachment and wear must match the rest of the piece. Source: de.wikipedia.org, retrieved 2026-08-28
4. Condition of the bluing. Original bluing ages unevenly through genuine use and contact with the scabbard — visible at wear points. A mirror-bright blade combined with completely untouched wood or Bakelite fits a modern reproduction better than 80 years of use or storage.
5. Price as an indirect signal. Newly made reproductions are openly offered for around 80 euros with declared modern materials. A piece advertised as "original" in flawless condition at a price in this range justifies an extra check. Source: waffen-schaulade.de (77,83 €), retrieved 2026-08-28

If in doubt, we check the piece from your photos — that costs nothing and commits you to nothing.

A Brief Historical Background

The Seitengewehr 84/98 traces back to the Seitengewehr 71/84 of 1884 and became the standard bayonet with the introduction of the Gewehr 98 rifle. It went through three design versions: Version I with a wooden grip scale, Version II with a muzzle-ring guard and a steel scabbard (already used by the Reichswehr), and Version III for the Wehrmacht, with grip scales usually made of Bakelite instead of wood and a steel scabbard. The blade measures 250 to 255 millimetres, the overall length is 380 to 388 millimetres.

Source: de.wikipedia.org, retrieved 2026-08-28

In its Version III, the Seitengewehr 84/98 became standard-issue equipment for the Karabiner 98k during the Second World War. Manufacturing was concentrated in Solingen, spread across numerous individual makers — hence the variety of blade marks that turns up in the collector's market today. Alongside it there was a minority variant with a saw back, originally reserved for pioneers and certain NCOs, as well as separate parade versions with a long, polished blade for officers on guard duty.

Source: en.wikipedia.org, retrieved 2026-08-28

On the legal position: acquiring and possessing bayonets and other edged weapons is generally permitted in Germany from the age of 18. What is restricted is "carrying" — that is, having it ready to hand in public — from which collectors with a documented collecting purpose are exempt. Selling is permitted, but is restricted by some large platforms (eBay, for instance) through their own house rules, independent of the legal position.

Source: forum-historicum.de, retrieved 2026-08-28

Selling Without Risk

Antique Militaria is a Spanish collectors' house buying throughout Germany. We buy for our own collection — with no dealer's mark-up. Because we don't have to factor in a resale calculation, the margin the middleman would otherwise take stays with you.

The process is deliberately simple: you send photos of the blade, scabbard and any frog you have via WhatsApp to +34 665 164 779. Within 24 hours you'll receive our free assessment of authenticity and price. If you agree, we pay cash in hand at the agreed price. We collect entire collections and estates in person — anywhere in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I sell a bayonet?

Private sale of original bayonets as collector's pieces is permitted in Germany — unlike with firearms, there is no purchase licence required. Restrictions tend to come from individual platforms like eBay, which exclude such pieces under their own rules, rather than from the law itself. You can sell directly and discreetly to a collectors' house like us.

Is owning a Wehrmacht bayonet illegal?

No. Acquisition and possession are permitted from the age of 18. What is restricted is only carrying it ready to hand in public ("Führen") — that doesn't apply to documented collector's pieces in a private setting.

What is a K98 bayonet worth?

A Seitengewehr 84/98 III for the Karabiner 98k sits at a guide value of 130 to 270 euros in good to very good condition, and 360 to 400 euros from a named maker in top condition. We'll give you the exact value of your piece after reviewing photos, within 24 hours.

How do I know if my bayonet is original?

From the combination of Wehrmacht acceptance stamps, grip scales consistent with the version (Bakelite or wood), unevenly aged bluing, and a scabbard that matches the blade. No single feature is enough on its own — we always check the piece as a whole and tell you the result free of charge.

What's the difference between a Seitengewehr and a parade bayonet?

The Seitengewehr 84/98 III was the standard combat-issue sidearm. The parade bayonet (extra-length sidearm) has a longer, polished blade and was worn by officers and on guard duty, often with a sword knot — it is a separate, rarer version, not just a "nicer" condition of the same piece.

How quickly do I get my money?

Immediately after agreement: cash in hand on personal handover, or by bank transfer immediately after inspection if sent by post.

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More guide values: SS dagger · Luftwaffe dagger · SA dagger · Sabre · Hitler Youth knife