Original German WWI M1898 n/A GEW 98 Bayonet by Simson dated 1903 with Scabbard, Frog & Troddel – Saxony Marked Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. In 1898 with the new Mauser bolt action infantry rifle the military adopted this long bayonet, the Seitengewehr (Sidearm) M1898. This longer bayonet gave an Infantryman the ability to bring a Cavalryman down from his horse, due to the bayonets long reach. Of course Cavalry was soon becoming a thing of the past and these long bayonets were being surpassed by different and shorter versions. At the start of WWI in 1914 this Gew 98 long bayonet was the norm.

This fine example has the typical long “pipe backed” 20 5/8″ blade, also called a “quill back”. The spine is proof marked Crown / GR directly in front of the cross guard, for “George Romanus”, George the King of Saxony, who reigned 19 June 1902 – 15 October 1904. Under this is 04, indicating acceptance in 1904, which fits right into his reign.

The blade ricasso is maker marked SIMSON & Co. / SUHL, a well-known maker of bayonets during WWI and prior. The company was owned by the Jewish Simson family, so unfortunately in the years leading to WWII, it was “Aryanized”, eventually becoming Gustloff-Werke – Waffenwerk Suhl.

This bayonet is an example of the second model of this bayonet, the n.A. (neu Art) model introduced in 1902, and the grip is made of two halves from wood. After the turn of the century the Germans simplified and strengthened their bayonet grips. The original “alter Art” (old type) bayonet had a grip made of one single piece of wood, which was wrapped around the tang.

The bayonet shows minor staining on the blade, as well as signs of sharpening, however it is overall quite nice after years of service. The grip scales are in very good condition, with no cracks, and the carved ribs still very clear and have a lovely color. There are a few scratches and small dents.

The bayonet comes complete with its original steel-fitted leather scabbard, which is in good condition, with the expected wear of age. The leather portion is quite stiff, not having been conditioned for quite some time, though the rear stitching looks to be intact. The scabbard is held by a nice original brown leather frog (Seitengewehrtragetasche), which is in very good condition, though it too is stiff.

Wrapped around the frog is a typical German Empire type enlisted mans “troddel” knot, which were used to help identify the unit the soldier was in. Usually these were worn on parade occasions. The red / yellow / red color pattern indicates that this bayonet was issued to the 10th company of a regiment.

All in all a nice example of the scarce first model M1898 Gew 98 Bayonet of WWI with Saxony markings, in good shape with a scabbard, frog, and troddel. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 20 5/8″
Blade Style: “Quillback” single edge.
Overall length: 25 7/8“
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard Length: 22″