Original Item. Only One Available. This is a great 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 very desirable "sawback" blade, which was intended for use by pioneers to saw through brush and obstacles. Unfortunately a rumor got out that it was intended to inflict grievous harm on enemies, so a lot of the sawback bayonets had this feature removed, making them hard to find. This example has a blade in very good condition. There is a bit of light staining, but no major rust issues. It does not appear to have been sharpened much, and the sawback itself is in good condition.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips that have a lovely color and heavy chipping from time, with a very nice hilt with some heavy oxidation and a great patina. Bayonet lock is fully functional, and the flash guard is undented, which is rare as these were often used as a hammer in the field. The guard does have some oxidation which is to be expected. The blade in general looks to be uncleaned, with minor pitting in specific spots. The blade ricasso is maker marked (top line faint):

SIMSON & Co.
SUHL

Simson & Co was 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. The spine is proof marked Crown / W directly in front of the cross guard, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, the German Emperor. Under this is 16, indicating production in 1916. This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips, which do show some wear and small chips. The hilt has a lovely overall oxidized patina, and the bayonet lock is fully functional.

The included steel scabbard is in good condition, showing minor oxidized patina and has some of the original finish still present. It does not show any major oxidation or rust, and the frog button is still intact and unbent. There is a large dent near the top of the scabbard.

A very interesting example of a very hard to find bayonet, never messed with or altered, just the way we like to find them. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 10”
Blade Style: Single Edged "Butcher" with Fuller
Overall length: 15”
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard length: 11"