The wooden grips on this S/98 bayonet show some wear and tear but no damage. The under crossguard is proof stamped along with two more proof stamps on the upper pommel. The rifle retaining button does work but is stiff, this can be loosened with a touch of grease if need be.

The blade is still relatively bright and in good condition with the maker being Simson & Co Suhl. The spine of the blade is stamped with a W under a crown and dated 1914 with a proof stamp.

The leather scabbard shows general wear we normally see with some minor shrinkage.

The colour and wear to the scabbard fittings matches the hilt and crossguard, this is a good sign as it tells us the two pieces have always lived together.

The item is finished with a leather frog that has moulded itself to the scabbard. The frog does have a rip just above the frog stud but is nicely dated 1914 on the back which matches the date on the blade, it also reads JR52 and has a makers name but unfortunately I’m unable to read it.