German 1898 N/A Mauser bayonet
I recently picked up a bayonet at the Vernon gun show.
After a bit of online searching, it was found to be a "German 1898 N/A Mauser bayonet".
It's quite unique as far as most bayonets I'm used to seeing and quite sleek as well. It was supposedly designed to counter the French model 1902 bayonet.
I've just been informed that the nickname for the blade style is "quillback" and there is a possibility it was made for a South American contract by Germany.
It is designated N/A because it has two piece wood grips, rather than one piece.
The overall length is about 25 1/2in and the blade is about 20 3/8in.
The blade tapers for the first 13in and swells for the last 7 1/2in with the back strap running straight through. For a good pic and description, Google "german1898namauserbayonet"
Its scabbard is leather with stapled on tip and throat. Hope the nomenclature is correct. All metal on the scabbard is undented and shiny.
The blade is stamped "Simson & co Suhl".
On the pommel is a stamp as well. It is a winged eagle over a partitioned shield. There are three partitions which have a bull?, tree and a cornucopia in them.
I would say the over all condition is 90-95% and the scabbard has a matching number to the bayonet.
If anyone is interested, I can take a few pics but am sorely computer challenged and have never been able to post them.
My query is value? I would rate it as very good +.
I was going to use it as an excuse to pick up a Gew98 rifle in the same shape but the price of them has gone beyond my meagre budget.:)
