Overview
In 1898 with the new Mauser bolt action infantry rifle the military adopted this long bayonet which 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 WW1 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 directly in front of the cross guard, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, the German Emperor. Under this is 0, indicating inspection in 1900. The blade ricasso is maker marked Crown / ERFURT, indicating manufacture at the Royal Erfurt Arsenal, located in Thuringia.
This bayonet is a rare example of the first model of this bayonet, the a.A. (alter Art) model produced until 1902, and the grip is made of two pieces of wood on either side of the tang. After the turn of the century the Germans simplified and strengthened their bayonet grips. The original "neu Art" (new type) bayonet had the more standard two grip scales on either side of the tang. For more information please see Watts & White, The Bayonet Book, page 119, Item 256.
The bayonet shows overall light corrosion and staining on the blade, as well as some dings in the edge, however it is overall quite nice after years of service. The grips has some chips missing, otherwise good condition, and the carved ribs still clear. The hilt does have some corrosion, so this is definitely a bayonet that saw a lot of service. The bayonet comes complete with its original steel fitted leather scabbard, which looks to have nickel plated fittings.
All in all a nice example of the scarce first model M1898 Gew 98 Bayonet of WW1 with a very good condition two piece grip and scabbard. Ready to display.
Good condition for a 100+ year old bayonet.