Description
This is a highly collectible Imperial German Model 1898 neuer Art (S98 n.A.) “Quillback” bayonet, manufactured under a specialized naval contract by the prestigious firm of Simson & Co. in Suhl. This weapon features the updated two-piece wooden grips introduced after 1902 to replace the fragile early-pattern wrap-around handles. This piece retains its rare, original, full-length 20.5-inch pipe-back blade, escaping the widespread, systematic shortening programs mandated during the tight-quarter trench fighting of World War I.
The spine of the blade is stamped with the official naval acceptance proof: a Crown over “M” (Marine), denoting direct ownership by the Kaiser’s Imperial Navy. Directly below the “M” is the stamped year date “06”, confirming its formal military acceptance in 1906. The flat ricasso features the manufacturer mark of Simson & Co., a private maker highly regarded by collectors for its limited-run, precision military contracts.
The metal crossguard features the stamped unit mark “S.B.”, confirming issue to the Seebataillon (Imperial German Marine Infantry). Accompanied by the inventory/weapon number 4050, this marking directly links the piece to Germany’s highly mobilized colonial and overseas forces at the height of the Empire’s global expansion. The pommel locking mechanism remains fully functional with a strong, reactive internal spring.
Given its 1906 acceptance date and the S.B. stamp, this weapon was active during a critical period of German gunboat diplomacy. The Seebataillone served as the elite vanguard of the Empire, seeing prominent global service garrisoning overseas territories, most notably at the flagship Tsingtao Naval Base in China prior to the outbreak of World War I.
Because the Navy was a fraction of the size of the Imperial Army, original naval-marked S98 bayonets are inherently rare. Most were lost at sea, destroyed in overseas actions, or physically cut down to shorter lengths to make them more practical for shipboard and trench combat. A verified, full-length 1906 Seebataillon quillback by Simson & Co. is a premier, investment-grade artifact of Imperial German colonial history.
Please see pictures for details.
All used firearms should be inspected by a qualified gunsmith prior to firing. All items are sold as photographed unless other arrangements are made.
We accept USPS Money Order, cashier’s check, or credit card for immediate shipping. Please note credit card sales are subject to an additional 4% fee.
Shipping & Handling ($20):
- US shipping only. If your item comes with a scope, we will detach it, package it separately, then include it in the shipped box unless specified otherwise by the purchaser.
- Postage Costs include adult 21 yr old signature required fee.
- We will pay the shipping insurance for the amount sold.
All items are for sale locally, so make contact as soon as you make your decision. Inquiries will be handled in chronological order. All postings will remain active until funds are received. We appreciate funds to arrive within 10 days of verbal agreement. After such time we will entertain other inquiries in the order they were received.
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