This is the rare colonial bayonet for European troops, usually of NCO status, issued to German South West Africa forces, hence KS on the guard. This was also issued to troops in German South East Africa, though here the initials on the guard were different (DOA, from memory).
This bayonet can be found in three formats: with a leather grip (as here); with a wood grip (usually European issue for machine gun crews); and with a hard rubber grip (typically for issue in the German Pacific islands). This example was made at Erfurt, the Saxon arsenal, and would fit the Gewehr 98.
There is some age wear to both the leather grips, although essentially they are complete. All the issue stamps (on the pommel, the base of the blade, the cross guard and the end of the scabbard) are intact. The blade has had some wear, possibly some old field sharpening, and the saw teeth are in nice shape. There are some patches of medium corrosion on the reverse of the scabbard, which appears to have the remains of an original shellac finish of some sort.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Edged Weapons : Bayonets : German : 20th Century]
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