Original Rare German WWI Mauser S-15 Gottcho Seitengewehr 15 Bayonet with Wraparound Grip & Steel Scabbard
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. At the outset of WWI, many countries found themselves ill-equipped for the long term conflict, as both men and arms were rapidly depleted by trench warfare. Due to this, Germany started making many Ersatz (replacement) Bayonets, designed to fit the Mauser rifle. These were sometimes crudely made new items, or more often were re-worked swords and longer bayonets from the past.
Additionally, the great need caused some bayonet designs which had been previously passed over to be put into service, and the Seitengewehr 15 is one such bayonet design. The S-15 was originally designed by Lucian Gottscho as the S-14, but the design was initially rejected. However it was then accepted as the S-15, at the same time that many companies that normally did not manufacture bayonets were also contracted.
There were several different variants, including a very rare sawback, and several different grip configurations seen. This example has a single piece wrap around grip secured with bolts and split washers, and has a ribbed grip area. It is marked with contractor Bl. next to the "GR" inside a keyhole for Gottcho-Rothgiesser. There were at least 9 different contractor markings seen on the ricasso of these bayonets. It features the minimized turned back quillon and vestigial muzzle ring typical of bayonets for the Gewehr 98. There is an Imperial proof stamp on the spine.
It comes complete with a heavy steel scabbard, with much of the original black paint retained, though there is heavy loss as well. It does have some denting, but it does not interfere with sheathing the blade. There is a small issue with the unsheathing of the bayonet, when it is almost completely pulled out it requires a bit more force to fully pull it out. For more information please see Bayonets Of The World by Watts & White, Page 128, Item 281.
A great example of a very hard to find bayonet, ready to add to your collection!
Specifications:
Blade Length: 14 3/8"
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Overall length: 19 5/8”
Crossguard: 2 1/2”
Scabbard Length: 15 3/4”
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