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 the long model 1898 Seitengewehr (side gun), or 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 length Model 1898 bayonet was still the norm. There was also a substantial export market for the Gewehr 98 rifle and bayonets, and this is one such example, made under contract for the Peruvian Government.

The bayonet has the typical long “pipe backed” 20 1/2″ blade, also called a “quill back”.  The blade ricasso is maker marked E. & F. HÖRSTER / SOLINGEN. E. & F. Hörster & Co Gmbh, is a well-known maker from Solingen, the famous “City of Blades” in Western Germany, which marketed many fine edged weapons. The firm lasted through both WWI and WWII, finally being declared insolvent in 1996. For more information please see GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter.

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 numbers 25038 on the cross guard and 25563 on the frog button. Many assume these are German issue, but the Coat of Arms is definitive.

The bayonet shows a few signs of corrosion, but for the most part is in very good condition, with the blade mostly bright. There is light throat runner wear, indicating it saw only light service. The grip scales are in  good condition, with no cracks or major chips, and the carved ribs still clear. The grip does have a bit of light peppering. The bayonet comes complete with its original Steel Mounted leather scabbard, with fully intact stitching. The locket is a bit loose due to leather shrinkage.

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

Specifications:
Blade Length: 20 1/2″
Overall length: 25 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/8”
Scabbard Length: 21 1/2”