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 / O directly in front of the cross guard, for King Otto of Bavaria. Under this is 07, indicating acceptance in 1907. There is also an inspector proof under the date marking. It is very rare to find an Otto marked example.

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 several small chips, 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 Steel scabbard, which are quite desirable due to their rarity, as they are designed to look like the leather examples. Most were issued with metal fitted leather scabbards. Steel was far more durable, and this does not appear to be one of the crude "ersatz" scabbards issued later. The scabbard has some heavy denting and is actually bent for the last ½ due to the denting.

The crossguard has a regimental marking, B.3.R.11.198., which denotes issue to the 3rd Bavarian Infantry Regiment, 11th Company, 198th man.

All in all a nice example of the scarce first model M1898 Gew 98 Bayonet of WWI, in good shape with scabbard. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 20 5/8"
Overall length: 25 7/8”
Crossguard: 2 3/8”
Scabbard Length: 21 3/4”