Over the years I have literally given away K98 bayonets believing they are of little value when compared to the other items I have collected and/or sold. Lately, I have paid more attention and now see there is quite a bit of value attached to these items. Possessing little expertise on this subject, can someone more knowledgable than myself tell me the approximate value of the following:

K-98 bayonet, VG+ condition with a dry, black leather frog. The grips are bakelite. The bayonet and scabbard have matching numbers (2515) and the maker is MUNDLOS.

I would appreciate any and all information concerning this item. BTW, I got it from a friend of mine's father and it was a bring back item (along with a great paratrooper helmet).

Thanks

Hello John, first happy new year !!

Mundlos is a nice maker, if condition is as you says VG+, value can go from $100 to $150 depending on the year (1937 being more sought after).
Please try to post pics so we can have better opinion.
Arnaud

Thanks for the prompt reply, especially on this day. Silly question, but how do I tell the year of the the manufacture? All I see are the numbers I have listed. However, about 1/8" under the numbers there is a stamping about 1/16" that resembles a bird head, sort of shaped like a "P", but it does not appear to be one. I have looked at Old Smithy's site, and I see a definite letter under the numbers in the same size (which I have learned designates the lot of manufacture). This bayonet has no such marking. Hmmmmmm.............

As soon as I can get my camera back from my son, I will post a picture. Again, the "bird head" stamping is extremely small and I am not sure if the qualify of my camera will pick it up.

Is there an answer to the mystery?

The date will be on the spine of the blade just in front of the cross guard

Old Smithy:

Thanks for the information. I will check on it. BTW, I found your site to be most informative, as I know little about bayonets.

Middle-aged John

I checked on the date and it is a 1937 model. Does the early date make the piece more desirable or does it make no difference?

John,

As with most collectibles, usually the first & the last are the most desirable. 1937 is not the first year production, but as Arnaud pointed out, a 37' Mundlos could be more desirable - I don't know because I do not collect by manufacture/year rarity. So this is something very personal. But remember a large part of the 'value' is in the condition. As our John Jacobi always said : CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION ! Hope this helps

Keith

Hello John, have You any pictures of the piece? i assume Mundlos 37,2515p, it would be great when You could provide information about the small proof stamps ,that are on pommel or other parts , should be WaA536 under eagle proof. The Mundlos 37 production is very special and should exactly examined, while the serialing of the firm cotinued from 1935 to 1938. best regards,Andy

I will take pictures this weekend and post on Monday (provided I can figure out how to do it). Thanks for the responses, my bayonet may be more special than I imagined.

John

can anyone tell me why the 37 date is more sort after?

quote:

CONDITION, CONDITION, CONDITION ! Hope this helps

Keith

Keith, great point and a good tip for new collectors!!!:-) Unfortunately, not all collectors have the opportunity to find or afford relics in super shape and that is okay. It took me some time to realize that you can collect for joy and not worry about condition, or decide you want take longer hunting to find that choice piece. It is entirely up to the individual collector; however, if someone besides yourself has to liquidate the collection one must keep in mind that the beautiful pieces will command the top dollar and move quickly. A collection of beaters and clunkers take longer to move and require less picky buyers. Beauty is of course in the eye of the beholder.