Original Item: Only One Available. In 1898 with the new Mauser bolt action infantry rifle the military adopted this long bayonet, the Seitengewehr (Sidearm) M1898. This longer bayonet 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 WWI in 1914 this Gew 98 long bayonet was the norm.

This is a very nice Nickel Plated "Parade" or "Walking Out" example of the M1898, with the typical long "pipe backed" 20 3/4" blade, also called a "quill back". The bayonet has very fine nickel plated hilt mounts, though there is plating flaking and oxidation. The mortise bayonet lock works well, with just a bit of sticking. Like most parade bayonets, it does not conform to the n/A or a/A pattern, with two grip scales, but without any flash guard on the spine.

There is no maker marking on the blade, but this is typical for parade bayonets, as many retailers often purchased raw unmarked blades and would plate and fit the bayonets themselves. The blade has a lovely etched design on all three sides of the blade, making it a very desirable "triple etched" example. It also has writing in panels on both sides, though unfortunately the gothic "Blackletter" typeface is difficult to read. It looks as one side says "Einj. Freiw. Mennering", and the other says "Kaiserl. I. Seebataillon". This would appear to be a parade bayonet for a Naval unit, and definitely makes this an interesting research opportunity.

The grip plates are of wood, being the 2nd Style, and have grooves cut into them to afford a good grip and are retained by a rivet and spanner. Condition is very good, with no cracks or chips, just the usual wear from use and age. The blade is in great shape, with the nickel plate still retained well, with just a few areas of wear and flaking.

The scabbard is of fine leather that has been decorated with the usual pattern of twin lines. The stitching in the rear of the scabbard is still fully intact, though there is some space in the joint, so the stitching has stretched. The upper and lower scabbard mounts are nickel-plated and have scalloped edges. The lower mount is retained by staples on both sides, while the upper mount has but one. The leather on this example is in good condition, though it has become stiff.

A great example of an Imperial German Parade bayonet with a lovely etched blade. Ready to add to your collection!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 20 3/4"
Overall length: 26”
Crossguard: 2 3/8”
Scabbard Length: 21 1/4”