Greetings,
I am a new member to BCN. I own a couple 98k bayonets and had some questions. Other than condition, what makes a particular bayonet valuable? I have seen where collectors are searching for certain mfg codes. Are some codes more desirable than others? The following are descriptions of the two bayonets. I have left out the descriptions of the frogs, but can supply the info if needed.

Bayonets

· Bayonet #1:
Ricasso markings- ‘43 asw ‘(left side)
‘ 7519’ with 2 lower case script ‘ff’ (right side)
Pommel markings- ‘WaA 519’ (twice) (left side)
Another ‘WaA 519’ stamped on top of handle near mounting lug slot
Grips- red/brown Bakelite
Grip Markings- ‘G’ with the number ‘26’ below it (left grip)
‘G’ with the number ‘11’ below it (right grip)
Markings under grips- The number ‘7’ is stamped and an upper case ‘H’ in script is seen

The finish of the blade is a shiny black, almost ‘blued’ with wear.

Scabbard- (I believe scabbard is not original to blade)
Markings- ‘8./A.R.7.105’
Spring screw is located above frog stud.


· Bayonet #2:
Ricasso markings- ‘Dürkopp’(left side)
‘2154 h’ (or ‘n’, but looks more like ‘h’)
On top of spine (flat portion opposite edge) near flash guard- ‘38’
Pommel markings- ‘WaA 547’ (twice) (left side)
Flash guard- ‘WaA 547’ (on handle side)
Grips- black Bakelite
Grip Markings- ‘KP’, ‘WaA 547’ (below), ‘6A’ (below), Odd logo, not sure what it is (below),
‘54’ (stamped below), ‘2154’ hand scribed, perpendicular to other markings. These are on the left grip. The right grip has the same markings EXCEPT for ‘5A’ instead of ‘6A’
Markings under grips- Large ‘WaA 547’ (two, one on each side)
The number ‘7’ and the letter ‘B’ (on right side)

The finish is matte black

Scabbard markings- ‘Dürkopp’, ‘38’ (below)
‘2154 h’ on opposite side
‘WaA 547’ (this is an assumption as it is visible but very worn)
Scabbard shows frog wear.



Regards,
Eric

Rarity and condition affect the price. If you get into the 84/98 in fine detail then there are marking variations, makers marks, dates (some are rarer than others) I did a rough count on the variations and date combinations i knew of and ame to over 230 "different" 84/98's. Soem collect on maker, some makers and dates, mint and matching are always worth the most. If you look at my site at www.old-smithy.info ther is a lot of info on the 84/98 showing most of the variations, double dates, makers combiantions etc. It will not give values that is for EBAY but will give a lot of info on variations that can be colelcted - for example i collect the post war reworks as a continuation of the 84/98 series and go back to the WWI versions as well, many will only do WWII or WWI versions, amny will not accept Israeli or Norwegian, Chilean Jugosla and czech examples as part of the 84/98 story.

Carl,
Thank so much for your words of wisdom. I have been collecting various militaria for some time and have finally decided to actually study some of the items in my collection. I will check out your sight, thanks for the link! I have 2 98k bayonets and several other types which I would like to research as well. I would love any help!
Thanks again for helpful response.
Best Regards,
Eric