*Imperial German, WW1, Model 1898/05 a/A ‘Butcher Blade’ Sword Bayonet by Simson & Co. Suhl, Dated 1914, Marked to 119th Regiment, with Scabbard, Frog & Troddel*
A scarce First World War German M1898/05 a/A sword bayonet for use with the 8 mm. Mauser Gewehr 98, manufactured by Simson & Co., Suhl in 1914. This is the alter Art (a/A = older model) first pattern, with vestigial high ears and no flashguard. The blade measures approximately 36.5 cm with an overall length of 49.5 cm. The ricasso is crisply marked SIMSON & Co. SUHL, while the back edge carries the crowned W cypher of Kaiser Wilhelm II with the date 14.
The crossguard bears a deeply struck regimental mark: 72. R.R. 5. 119., identifying issue to the 119th Infantry Regiment, 5th Company. The pommel, crossguard and scabbard throat carry Fraktur-style inspection marks, consistent with Imperial acceptance.
This example comes complete with its original steel scabbard, which retains its period frog and a cloth troddel (bayonet knot). The troddel has a yellow/yellow company colour, denoting 5th Company within the regiment—matching the crossguard unit marking.
Historical Note:
The M1898/05 bayonet, nicknamed the “Butcher Blade”, was introduced to replace the long and fragile M1898 bayonet. The first pattern, designated a/A, was manufactured from 1905 until 1915 when it was superseded by the neue Art (n/A) with flashguard and full muzzle ring.
This example was produced in 1914, the first year of the war, and bears regimental markings to the 5th Company, Reserve-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 119 of the Royal Württemberg Army, XIII (Royal Württemberg) Army Corps. Formed in August 1914 at mobilisation, RIR 119 was raised from reservists of the peacetime 1. Württembergisches Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 119 “Queen Olga”, based in Stuttgart. The regiment was committed to the Western Front almost immediately, fighting in the Battle of Lorraine, before enduring some of the hardest campaigns of the war including the Aisne, Champagne, the Somme (1916), and the slaughter at Verdun. In 1918, it took part in the German Spring Offensives, only to be pushed back during the Allied counter-attacks leading to the Armistice.
Regimental markings such as these were officially discontinued after 1915, making early-war marked bayonets increasingly scarce. Surviving examples connected to RIR 119 are particularly prized, representing a regiment that saw continuous and costly frontline service from the opening battles of 1914 to the final months of 1918. The presence of the yellow company-coloured troddel—corresponding to the 5th Company—provides rare confirmation that the bayonet, frog, and knot are likely to have remained together since issue, making this a remarkable, historically resonant ensemble.
*Condition*
The bayonet remains in good untouched condition, showing age and service use. The blade retains its edge with some light staining and patination. Ricasso and spine markings are clear. The hilt shows wear, with grip panels intact but worn, and pommel patinated with matching Imperial inspection stamps. The scabbard has surface rust and old age staining, but remains solid, with original frog and troddel present. The cloth frog shows fraying, and the troddel is worn but retains its full wooden stem and tassel. Overall, a fine, original regimental-marked example in complete, as-found condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
RQMBOOXCEO_7263212250
