*Imperial German, Dated 1906, Model 1898 n.A. (Second Pattern) Bayonet for the Mauser Gewehr 98, Simson & Co., Suhl, Ulanen-Regiment Nr. 1*
An Imperial German Model 1898 n.A. (neuer Art) bayonet, manufactured in 1906 by Simson & Co., Suhl, for use with the Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle. This example represents the second-pattern development of the M1898, distinguished by its two-piece wooden grip scales, replacing the earlier one-piece grip of the a.A. pattern. This bayonet was the property of Ulanen-Regiment „Kaiser Alexander III. von Rußland“ (Westpreußisches) Nr. 1, weapon number 10. In 1906, this regiment formed part of the elite heavy-reconnaissance cavalry of the Prussian Army, combining traditional mounted service with an increasing emphasis on dismounted duties using the standard infantry rifle.
The bayonet is fitted with the correct long fullered blade, short hooked quillon, ribbed wooden grips secured by steel rivets, and a stepped pommel with mortise slot. The overall form and finish are entirely consistent with pre-First World War Imperial German production, prior to later wartime simplification.
The obverse ricasso retains a partially legible maker mark, with “Simson & Co.” visible but blurred and “Suhl” clearly visible. The blade spine is stamped with the Imperial Crown over “W” over “06” also slightly blurred, confirming acceptance under Wilhelm II and year of manufacture 1906. Additional Fraktur-style inspection and assembly marks are present on the pommel, quillon, and blade spine.
The crossguard bears a clear regimental unit property marking: “U. 1. 10.”
Approx. Measurements - Blade length: 52 cm. Overall length: 65 cm.
Historical Note:
The Model 1898 bayonet was adopted alongside the Gewehr 98 as the standard edged weapon of the Prussian Army. The n.A. (neuer Art) revision introduced improved grip construction and minor refinements, becoming the definitive pre-war configuration and remaining in service through the early years of the First World War.
The spine acceptance mark Crown / W / 06 represents Kaiser Wilhelm II (reigned 1888–1918) and confirms official Imperial acceptance in 1906, a period of peacetime expansion, training, and doctrinal refinement within the Imperial German Army.
The crossguard marking “U. 1. 10.” follows standard Imperial German weapon marking regulations (1897–1909) and denotes unit ownership, not individual rank: U. – Ulanen-Regiment; 1. – Regimental number (Ulanen-Regiment Nr. 1) and 10. – Weapon number
This marking identifies the bayonet as unit property of Ulanen-Regiment „Kaiser Alexander III. von Rußland“ (Westpreußisches) Nr. 1, an elite Prussian cavalry regiment garrisoned at Militsch and Ostrowo and assigned to V. Armeekorps. While the regiment’s primary role was mounted reconnaissance and shock action, Uhlan units were routinely equipped with Gewehr 98 rifles and associated bayonets for dismounted service, including guard duties, field security, depot responsibilities, and training. As such, the presence of a Model 1898 n.A. bayonet within a Uhlan regiment in 1906 is entirely consistent with documented Imperial German practice and reflects the dual mounted-and-dismounted role expected of cavalry formations in the pre-war army.
*Condition*
The bayonet is in good honest service condition. The blade shows age-appropriate patina and scattered surface oxidation, with no evidence of post-war reworking or grinding. The wooden grips display expected handling wear but remain sound and securely fitted. All markings are legible, though softened in places from service use. No scabbard present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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