Original German WWI M1898 n/A Long GEW 98 Peruvian Contract Bayonet with Leather Scabbard – c.1909 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. In 1898 with the new Mauser Gewehr 98 bolt action infantry rifle the military adopted this long bayonet which 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 WW1 in 1914 this Gew 98 long bayonet was the norm. There was also a substantial export market for the Gewehr 98 rifle and bayonets, and this is one such example.

The bayonet has the typical long “pipe backed” 20 1/2″ blade, also called a “quill back”.  The blade ricasso is maker marked SIMSON & CO / SUHL, a well known manufacturer of German bayonets. 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.

However, unlike a German-Issued bayonet, there are no proof marks on the spine of the blade, or regimental markings. Instead, there is a Peruvian Coat of arms on the pommel of the grip, and serial number 31631 on the cross guard. Many assume these are German issue, but the Coat of Arms is definitive.

The bayonet shows some spots of corrosion and pitting on the blade, however the rest of the blade is very nice, with no sign of sharpening. As old as it is, the bayonet still has the factory unsharpened edge. There is however runner and throat wear, so while not used as a weapon, it definitely saw long servie. The grip scales are in  good condition, with no cracks or major chips, and the carved ribs still  clear. The grip does have wear and some light corrosion. The bayonet comes complete with its original Steel Mounted leather scabbard, though due to age the stitching has rotted out and the leather is very stiff.

Overall a very nice Peruvian Contract GEW 98 bayonet, completely with scabbard, ready to mount to any Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle or display.