Scarce and excellent example of a Pre-War German model 1898n.A second pattern quill point sword bayonet. The S98 bayonet was produced for use with the Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle using the new and soon to be widely copied bar mounting system.
The 522mm single-edged blade has a rounded, pipe-back spine above a single, narrow fuller. The blade terminates in a double-edged quill point. The ricasso is stamped with the mark of C. G. Haenel of Suhl. The spine is stamped with the crowned W acceptance mark of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Prussia and the date ’05 (1905) as well as an inspection mark. The blade was service sharpened and has some mild use-related scratches but is in excellent condition.
The steel cross piece is stamped with the regimental mark for the 140th (4th West Prussian) Infantry Regiment, 9th battalion, weapon number 39. The steel pommel bears two inspection marks (fractur). The press-stud mechanism is also stamped and is in perfect working order. The front of the crosspiece is also stamped with an inspection mark.
The wooden grip sales are in excellent condition and are held firmly in place by two screws which are both stamped with inspection marks.
The bayonet is complete with its steel mounted leather scabbard. The leather is in overall good condition and the stitching is intact. There is a crease in the leather and a small split as shown in the photos. The steel locket bears the unit markings for the Prussian 4th Royal Magdeberg Jaeger regiment, 3rd Battalion, weapon number 231. The locket, throat and chape are all marked with inspection stamps. The bayonet sheathes and draws smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is an excellent example of a regimentally marked and scarce M1898n.A bayonet.
