This is an excellent early example of the German S.98 bayonet.
This early version features a one-piece walnut grip in excellent condition, with nine slanted grooves designed at the time to improve handling.
The crossguard, tang, and hilt are all in great condition, with a fully functioning rifle-retaining button and two inspection stamps to the rear hilt. The rear of the crossguard is stamped with “28.R.10.226,” indicating its assignment to infantry Regiment 28, Company 10, Weapon 226.

The blade is clean and in very good condition, with both sides of the blade fullered. This was done to reduce weight. The makers mark on the ricasso reads “SIMSON & Co SUHL,” a prominent manufacturer of this time. The markings on the spine of the blade include a “W” beneath a Crown, the date 1901, and an inspection stamp.

The leather scabbard is in very good condition, with all its stitching intact, including the staples that secure the top and bottom mounts. Although, like most of these period leather scabbards, they do develop shrinkage. This scabbard has lost about 8mm due to shrinkage. The top mount is unit-marked “60.R.12.191,” signifying its use by Infantry Regiment 60, Company 12, Weapon 191.

Completing this bayonet is a leather frog, although, not the correct type for this period bayonet and must of been added later, as its a WW2 K98 frog. We prioritise keeping items together as found and do not separate them.

This is a very nice example.