Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good example of the Mauser Model 1871 rifle bayonet with brass hilt, complete with the original brass-fitted leather scabbard. The bayonet is in good condition, and is marked on the rear of the blade with an 1874 year as well as the usual acceptance marks.

The steel blade is 18 ½” long and is in very good condition, and has not had the main edge sharpened at any time, so it still has the factory blunt edge. It has some light staining and pitting, but overall looks great. The crossguard is heavily oxidized.

The blade ricasso is maker marked GEBR: / SIMSON / [SUHL], indicating manufacture by Gebrüder Simson (Simson Brothers) in Suhl, Thuringia, Germany. This company, later known as Simson & Cie, was a major manufacturer in the Suhl Area, 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 handle of the bayonet is in good condition and has a fully functional bayonet latch. There are also some proof marks, as is typical on Imperial German bayonets. The steel "S" shaped crossguard does have a lot of oxidation, and bears regimental marking 123.R.16.212, for 123rd (5th Württemberg) Grenadiers "King Charles", Komp 16, Waffe Nr 212. The scabbard throat bears regimental marking XIII.G.B.III.1.226, for XIII Armee Korps. (K.Wurttembergische) Garrison Battalion III. Komp 1. Waffe Nr 226.

The bayonet comes complete with its original brass mounted black leather scabbard which is missing some of the stitching on the reverse. The leather is also heavily crazed with the finish wearing off. There are also proof marks on the hilt and drag of the scabbard. The scabbard is in fair condition overall.

A very nice example of this relatively rare bayonet, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 18 ½”
Blade Style: Single Edge with Fuller
Overall length: 23 1/2“
Crossguard: 4 5/8”
Scabbard Length: 19⅝"