Imperial German, WW1, M1898/05 a/A "Butcher" Bayonet by Simson & Co., Dated 1915, Simson & Co Suhl, Matching Era Mauser Scabbard

*Imperial German, WW1, M1898/05 a/A "Butcher" Bayonet by Simson & Co., Dated 1915, Simson & Co Suhl, Matching Era Mauser Scabbard*

A classic and highly collectable Imperial German S98/05 “Butcher Blade” bayonet, dated 1915 and manufactured by Simson & Co., Suhl, retaining its original steel scabbard by Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G., Oberndorf a/N. This is a textbook early-war example of the a.A. (alter Art) pattern, with the distinctive broad fullered blade, high “ears” to the crossguard, and absence of the later flashguard.

The blade remains bright with visible original finish, showing even age patina and light surface wear consistent with service. The ricasso is crisply stamped SIMSON & CO SUHL, while the spine carries the Imperial acceptance mark crowned W over 15, confirming acceptance into Prussian service in 1915 under Kaiser Wilhelm II. Additional small crowned inspection stamps are present to the hilt components.

The hilt retains its original wooden grip scales with diagonal ribbing, secured by domed rivets, and shows honest service wear. The press-stud mechanism appears intact.

The steel scabbard, though heavily patinated, is correctly marked to Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G., Oberndorf a/N, demonstrating a typical wartime mixed-manufacturer pairing. The scabbard shows significant field wear and oxidation but remains structurally sound.

Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 36.1 cm. Overall length: 49.5 cm.

History Note:
The S98/05 bayonet was introduced to replace the earlier S98, whose long, narrow blade proved unsuitable for trench warfare. The new “butcher blade” design provided increased strength and utility, becoming the standard German bayonet of the First World War.

The a.A. (alter Art) pattern represents the original form, featuring a muzzle ring and high ears, prior to the simplified n.A. (neuer Art) pattern introduced later in 1915, which removed the muzzle ring and added a flashguard. As such, dated 1915 examples like this sit at a key transitional point in wartime production.

Simson & Co. of Suhl was one of the principal Imperial German arms contractors, producing a wide range of military equipment including bayonets, rifles, and pistols.

*Condition*
Good honest service condition. Blade with light pitting and age toning but retaining clear markings. Hilt solid with worn but intact grips. Scabbard heavily oxidised with consistent surface corrosion throughout, typical for field-used steel examples. All markings remain legible where present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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