Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Bayonet with Excellent Blade & Steel Scabbard by Simson & Co. - Dated 1915
In stock
-
Original Item: Only One Available. This is an especially attractive Imperial German WWI M1898/05 n/A Seitengewehr, commonly known among collectors as the “Butcher” bayonet, manufactured by the well known Simson & Co. of Suhl and dated 1915. Intended for use with the German Gewehr 98 rifle system, the M1898/05 is immediately recognizable by its broad, heavy 14 1/2” blade with a pronounced swelling toward the point. This example is particularly desirable for the excellent condition of its blade, which retains a very strong surface with only minor wear and what appears to be period sharpening, together with its original grooved wooden grips and steel scabbard.
This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips, and the hilt finish is well-retained. The blade is in overall excellent condition with minor wear and only sharpening from the period. This is one of the nicest blades we’ve seen on a 98/05. The blade ricasso is maker marked:
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 15, indicating production and inspection in 1915. 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 slightly oxidized patina, and the bayonet lock is fully functional.
The steel scabbard is in good condition, with some small dents on the sides, and some minor rusting in spots. The original blued finish has worn in most places to brown, typical of a 100 year old scabbard. The frog button is still intact and unbent.
What makes this example especially appealing is the combination of its 1915 date, desirable SIMSON & Co. / SUHL maker marking, excellent broad butcher blade, original grooved wooden grips, fully functional locking mechanism, and surviving steel scabbard. The minor grip chips, period sharpening, light hilt oxidation, scabbard dents, and scattered rust are all honest condition considerations, but the blade itself remains exceptionally attractive. It would display very well alongside a Gewehr 98 or in a collection devoted to Imperial German bayonets, WWI infantry equipment, Suhl arms manufacture, or the many maker variations of the M1898/05.
Dimensions:
Blade length: 14 1/2”
Blade Style: Single Edged "Butcher" with Fuller
Overall length: 19 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4"
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
We Buy Military Antiques
Our team expert buyers travels the world to pay fair prices for entire estate collections to singular items.
START SELLING TODAY
