A very good WW1 German 98/05 Butcher Bayonet by Simpson & Co, Suhl, complete with its early leather scabbard and an excellent original WW1 frog. This is an early production example featuring the desirable high ears crossguard and is dated 1915 on the blade spine.

Blade

The blade remains fairly bright with a clean overall appearance. There are areas of scattered pitting consistent with age and service use, together with a few small nicks to the spine. The point remains reasonably sharp and well defined.

The ricasso is marked Simpson & Co, Suhl, while the spine carries a Crowned W inspection mark, 1915 date, and an additional inspection stamp.

Hilt & Grips

This bayonet features the desirable early high ears crossguard, a characteristic of the earlier 98/05 pattern before later production changes were introduced. The wooden grips are of a lighter colour and remain in good condition overall, showing some minor indentations from service life. Both original grip screws remain in place. The rifle retaining button functions correctly, and two inspection stamps are visible on the top of the hilt.

Scabbard

The bayonet is housed in its original early pattern leather scabbard. The leather remains in good condition overall with some expected creasing from age and use. The rear stitching remains intact and secure. The lower metal fitting retains its original staples, while the upper throat fitting displays two inspection stamps and retains its original securing screw.

Frog

Included is an excellent original World War I German bayonet frog. The leather remains in very good condition, retaining good shape and flexibility. All stitching remains intact, all four rivets are present, and the frog displays honest age without damage or significant deterioration. Original WWI frogs in this condition are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Overall

A very good complete early war German 98/05 Butcher Bayonet set. The combination of the desirable high ears crossguard, 1915 date, Simpson & Co Suhl maker marking, original leather scabbard and excellent WWI frog makes this a particularly attractive example for the collector.

The bayonet fits the scabbard correctly and securely, which is notable as shrinkage is often encountered with these early leather scabbards.

Historical Note

The German 98/05 bayonet earned the nickname “Butcher Bayonet” due to its large profile and distinctive blade shape. Introduced prior to the First World War, the pattern was intended for use with the Gewehr 98 rifle and became one of Germany’s most widely issued bayonets during the conflict.

Early examples such as this featured the distinctive high ears crossguard and leather scabbard construction before later wartime simplifications were introduced. Simpson & Co of Suhl was one of several German manufacturers contracted to produce these bayonets for Imperial German forces, with the 1915 date placing this example firmly within the height of wartime production.

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