Imperial German, WW1, First Pattern Model 1898/05 a/A 'Gew 98' Butcher Bayonet, By Simson & Co, Dated 1915

*Imperial German, WW1, First Pattern Model 1898/05 a/A 'Gew 98' Butcher Bayonet, By Simson & Co, Dated 1915*

Approximate Measurements: 49.6cm overall, 36.4cm blade

Marked on the ricasso: Simson & Co, Schul
Marked on the spine: Crown over W over 15 over Fraktur proofmark
Marked on crossguard: Fraktur proofmark

Single edged blade widening to the point, the forte stamped with maker details “Simson & Co, Schul”. The back edge is marked "Crown over W over 15 over Fraktur proofmark" carries the Royal Cypher of Kaiser (Emperor) Wilhelm II of Prussia, who reigned 1888–1918. Wilhelm II was the “Kaiser Wilhelm” of First World War fame. The hilt with steel turned up quillon with early 1/4 muzzle ring – “high ears” and wooden ribbed slab grips.

This was the sword bayonet for use with the 8 mm. Mauser Gewehr 98. Introduced to address the shortcomings of its predecessor, the M1898, which had a tendency for blade breakage due to its long, slender design, the M1898/05 became the most widely used German bayonet during the First World War. The first pattern Model 1898/05 a/A lacked a flashguard and had a vestigial (partial) muzzle ring, often referred to as having “high ears.” These are known as the a/A (alter Art = older model). These are often called “butcher blades,” due to their resemblance to a butcher’s knife of the period.

*Condition*
Good used condition. The button works well. There is some pitting and discolouration to the blade commensurate with age. No Scabbard. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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