Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Bayonet with Steel Scabbard and Frog 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 nice set of original grooved wood grips, with a few small ships. The hilt and crossguard are solid, though they have some surface rusting due to age. Bayonet lock is still functional. The blade ricasso is maker 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. Additionally, there is a “Crowned RC” marking. This marking is applied to a specific part of a weapon (rifles, bayonets, etc.) that is out of spec but still usable if circumstances require it. It means “Revision Commission” and it shows that the part is close enough and overrides the inspector who pointed out the problem absolving him of blame if called into question. The blade is in good condition, though it does have overall staining with the edge showing no signs of post manufacture sharpening.

The steel scabbard is in good condition but does have surface rust encompassing the body of the scabbard. The frog button is still intact but is slightly bend with some pitting.

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″