Attic find

[bayonetman2004]

Hello everyone,

I recently discovered this Kar98k bayonet in my grandfather’s attic, and I’m looking for more information about it. Here are the details:

• Maker: Elite-Diamant
• Year: 1939
• Serial Number: 9761 h (matching scabbard)
• Found in: North Brabant, Netherlands, aftermath of WW2.
• Details: bakelite grip, blued finish on the blade, minor rust marks and small dent in scabbard.

It was likely picked up in the aftermath of WWII by a family member. I’m curious to know more about:

1. Production details – How many were made by Elite-Diamant in 1939?
2. Unit assignment – Is there any way to track the serial number to a specific unit?
3. Historical value – Any insights into how rare or collectible this bayonet is?
4. Condition - How does this bayonet compare to others on the market?

I’ve attached some photos for reference. Any help from the community would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

- Floris

 

[bayonetman2004]

I am new to this community by the way, just made the account regarding this question! So hello world I suppose.

 

[Jdt]

Very nice find, that be a keeper in my collection. Others will chime in to answer your questions cause I'm of no help.

 

[bayonetman2004]

Thank you! I was very lucky, my grandfather has decided to move so we are cleaning out the attic. I found it with some other things but I was pleasently surprised to say the least. He told me it was found by a relative of mine in the surrounding area shortly after the war. Unfortunately I don't have much information on it other than that but it will make a ncie family heirloom.

 

[SVW1945]

39 production about 110,000. You can't track the serial number, only for production of the year it was made by the manufacture. Your bayonet is nice for condition. And not sharpen. And its matching serial #. That's a plus. I would keep it in my collection. I would think the value is $250 and up.

 

[bayonetman2004]

Thanks!

 

[Jdt]

Thank you! I was very lucky, my grandfather has decided to move so we are cleaning out the attic. I found it with some other things but I was pleasently surprised to say the least. He told me it was found by a relative of mine in the surrounding area shortly after the war. Unfortunately I don't have much information on it other than that but it will make a ncie family heirloom.

Congrats

 

[grimlin13]

Nice Elite-Diamant. Be sure to wipe your fingerprints off of it before you put it away. The acids in the oils from your fingers and hands can and will cause damage to the blue. It can happen quickly. Will etch permanent finger/hand prints into the blue and cause corrosion of the medal if left unattended to. Apply a thin coat of gun oil to all metal with a soft cloth, like an old t-shirt. Also the bayonet is in the scabbard wrong. The serial numbers on same side and maker name on same side.

 

[bayonetman2004]

Thank you kindly for the advice. I wiped it with an old rag and applied a thin layer of WD-40, then wrapped it in a cotton towel and put it away. Should I keep the blade and scabbard separate? It has been stored inside the scabbard for 80 or so years and it looks fine. Please advice regarding this! Hopefully it will stay nice this way. Noted on the scabbard orientation too!

 

[Muncher 1953]

Thank you kindly for the advice. I wiped it with an old rag and applied a thin layer of WD-40, then wrapped it in a cotton towel and put it away. Should I keep the blade and scabbard separate? It has been stored inside the scabbard for 80 or so years and it looks fine. Please advice regarding this! Hopefully it will stay nice this way. Noted on the scabbard orientation too!

wd40 is a good place to start because it will displace water/moisture, but for storage, you need something like gun oil, which is generally clear but thicker than wd40 & therefore longer lasting. comes in a small can w/plastic neck, for controlled application, hardware, walmart, fishing & hunting store etc.

 

[bayonetman2004]

wd40 is a good place to start because it will displace water/moisture, but for storage, you need something like gun oil, which is generally clear but thicker than wd40 & therefore longer lasting. comes in a small can w/plastic neck, for controlled application, hardware, walmart, fishing & hunting store etc.

Yes I am aware, unfortunately I don't have a lot of time to store it properly as I am headed off abroad for some time, flying out tomorrow. I'm doing the best I can to store it as neatly as possible. WD-40 and a very light coat of petroleum jelly is the best I can do for now Storing it in a dry and temprature controlled space is naturally a given too. When I get back I will give it some love with some proper coating and storage!

 

[grimlin13]

I use Rem Oil when available. It went off the market for some time and I got some Hoppes gun oil in it`s place. It is ok but in my honest opinion Rem Oil is better. Keep the blade in the scabbard when stored. That scabbard protects the blade better than you would think and is sure better than leaving blade out.
If humidity is a problem where you are, you can apply oil or what you have available then wrap entire bayonet in plastic wrap before putting it away.
Be careful with that petroleum jelly. It can cause damage to the blue.

 

[bayonetman2004]

I use Rem Oil when available. It went off the market for some time and I got some Hoppes gun oil in it`s place. It is ok but in my honest opinion Rem Oil is better. Keep the blade in the scabbard when stored. That scabbard protects the blade better than you would think and is sure better than leaving blade out.

Got it, thanks again. I'll keep an eye out for some proper gun oil.

 

[AndyB]

On some pictures wrong way added into scabbard, serials on blade and scabbard should be under it, the condition is good, Elite Diamant is middle producer so the value would be probably already on market higher. Production numbers are only rough estimate, but should be max to 110000 as mentioned, the nr.2 question could be not answered, only when You have exact finding and could be date with a german unit that served in that territory but that would be tricky.