One of the rarest of the G98 Mauser series bayonets, this was designated the KS98 for Kurze Seitengewehr. It was originally issued for colonial troops in SW Africa and German East Africa. This particular example is marked 'KS' on the cross guard for Kaiserliche Schutztruppe, indicating service in SW Africa.
This bayonet was primarily worn by the NCOs of the KS troops; the Askaris carried the older Mauser 71/84, a black powder weapon with a tube magazine, as opposed to the G98, which was the last Mauser development before the Great War, firing a nitro load with a 7.92mm cartridge.
The grip is chequered leather and is in reasonable shape for its age, though there is obviously some wear to the surface. The scabbard paint is of recent origin. However, it has the original brown leather colonial-style frog. It is dated '1909' on the base of the blade and was made at the Erfurt arsenal in Saxony. There is some minor wear to the blade, but generally it is in good shape and the teeth of the sawback are nice and crisp.
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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