Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Bayonet with Steel Scabbard by Simson & Co. – Dated 1915 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good example of the M-1898/05 Bayonet (Seitengewehr), which was the most common German Bayonet of the First World War. It was intended for use on the standard issue service rifle of Imperial Germany: the Mauser-designed Gewehr 98 (GEW 98). It features a heavy 14.5-inch steel blade with distinct bulge toward the point, giving extra weight and power to the business end, known as a “butcher blade”. This version is known as n/A (neuer Art = newer model). This second pattern lacks the first pattern’s vestigial muzzle ring (or ‘ears’) and has a flashguard on the back of the grip.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips, with a few small ships and dents. The hilt and crossguard are solid, though they have some surface rusting due to age. Bayonet lock is currently rust frozen. It moves a little with weight, but some penetrating oil will most likely fix that. The blade ricasso is ;maker clearly marked:

SIMSON & CO
SUHL

The blade is also dated on the blade’s spine 15 under a proof mark of a Crown over W, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. The blade is in good condition, though it does have overall staining, and has been sharpened multiple times, which has made the edge somewhat uneven.

The steel scabbard is in good condition, with a few dents and light surface rust. The original blued finish has worn in most places to a peppery gray, typical of a 100 year old scabbard. The frog button is still intact and unbent. 

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in such fine condition, never messed with, just the way we like to find them, ready to display.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 14 1/2”
Blade Style: Single Edged “Butcher” with Fuller
Overall length: 19 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4″