Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet by Simson & Co. with Leather & Steel Scabbard – dated 1916 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent 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 desirable “sawback” blade, which was intended for use by pioneers to saw through brush and obstacles. Unfortunately a rumor got out that it was intended to inflict grievous harm on enemies, so a lot of the sawback bayonets had this feature removed, making them hard to find. This example has a blade in very good condition. There is a bit of light staining, but no major rust issues. It does not appear to have been sharpened much, and the sawback itself is in excellent condition.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips, with a very nice hilt with little rust on the bright steel. Bayonet lock is fully functional, and the flashguard shows no sign of damage. The blade ricasso is maker clearly marked:

SIMSON & CO
SUHL

Simson & Co. was a major manufacturer in the Suhl Area of Thuringia, and later began production of bicycles and other items in addition to edged weapons. At the onset of WWI, the company had 3500 employees, however in the post war depression, they had to fire 2/3 of their workforce. The company continued trading and was again successful, however since the Simson family were Jewish, they found the company headquarters occupied by the SA in 1933. The company was then forcibly renamed BSW, and pressed into service making small arms. Thankfully, the Simson family was able to emigrate to the U.S.A. in 1936. For more information please see J Anthony Carter’s excellent work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

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 excellent condition, with the original arsenal sharpening, which is still mostly intact, with only a bit of wear. There is minor staining, and much of the factory milling texture can be seen.

The rare steel-fitted leather scabbard is in very good condition, with no cracking or other major damage to the leather. The bright steel fittings have a bit of rust specking and patination, as expected. One of the staples holding the chape to the leather has broken, but is still hanging on from one side. The leather still has a lot of the original finish, with full stitching, though the leather has become hard over the past 100 years.

An excellent 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 & Sawback
Overall length: 19 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4″