Original item: Only One Available. Made in Germany and maker marked on the blade, this looks just like a German Mauser sawback 1871 bayonet. The hilt grip, as a true Mauser 1871, is of solid brass, however the steel cross guard is unique. It resembles the TURKISH M-1887 and M-1889 forward leading hook quillon cross guard however has been mounted in the REVERSE direction, sloping backwards, rendering it totally useless for what the Hook quillon guards were intended for. In this position it would be useless to entrap one's opponent's bayonet blade, and be useless for rifle stacking in a tripod, so only the butt plates came in contact with the earth.

For years it was assumed that this was just a Turkish variation however recent research has identified these type bayonets being exclusively manufactured for the Boer Settlements in South Africa who had two wars with the British. In any event this is a hugely rare bayonet made all the more captivating with its clear relationship to the legendary German Mauser 1871 Saw Back Bayonet. These were contract made, and this example is marked on the ricasso with:

Simson & Co. was a major manufacturer in the Suhl Area of Thuringia, 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.

In very good condition, this was recently acquired from a large European Collection. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 18 1/2”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller & Sawback
Overall length: 13 1/2”
Crossguard: 4 1/2”