Item Description
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 or dates on the spine of the blade, and no regimental markings on the cross guard. Instead, there is a Peruvian Coat of arms on the pommel of the grip, and serial number 3133 on the cross guard. Many assume these are German issue, but the Coat of Arms is definitive. Aside from the markings, the German and Peruvian issue bayonets are identical.
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 service. The grip scales are in good condition, with just a bit of chipping on the back of the left scale, and the carved ribs are still clear. The metal parts of the grip are in great shape, with no real signs of corrosion. The bayonet comes complete with its original Steel Mounted leather scabbard, which is in very good condition. This is held in a very nice original leather bayonet frog. The leather is a bit worn, but otherwise it is in great shape for being over a century in age.
Overall a very nice Peruvian Contract GEW 98 bayonet, completely with scabbard and frog, ready to mount to any Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle or display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
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