Item Description
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 fine example has the typical long "pipe backed" 20 1/2" blade, also called a "quill back". The spine is proof marked Crown / W directly in front of the cross guard, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, the German Emperor. Under this is 05, indicating acceptance in 1905.
The blade ricasso is maker marked V.C. SCHILLING / SUHL, a well-known maker of bayonets during WWI and prior. The company also manufactured firearms, including the well-known Reichsrevolver of the late 19th century. It would continue manufacturing firearms and some years afterwards.
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.
The bayonet shows some small areas of light corrosion on the blade, as well as signs of sharpening, however it is overall quite nice after years of service. The two piece grip is still in very good condition, with one small chip, and the carved ribs are still very clear. The hilt does have wear and some light corrosion, so this is definitely a bayonet that saw a lot of service. The bayonet comes complete with its original hard leather scabbard, which unfortunately is splitting along the seam on the back. Most were issued with metal fitted leather scabbards.
Both the bayonet and scabbard are Regimentally marked with:
Bayonet: 120 R____146. Unfortunately it is partially worn away.
Scabbard: 156.R.11.148.
All in all a nice example of a scarce M1898 Gew 98 Bayonet of WW1. This beautiful bayonet is welcomed into any Great War collection and comes ready to display!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 20 3/4"
Overall length: 26”
Crossguard: 2 3/8”
Scabbard Length: 21 1/2”
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