The M1888 was typically issued with the longer M1871 sword bayonet. Although the M1871/84 bayonet mounts to the M1888 Commission Rifle, this combination was felt to have insufficient reach. The M1871/84 rifle was superseded by the M1888 Commission Rifle shortly after entering service, limiting the M1871/84 bayonet’s use by the German Army. There were two M1871/84 blade profiles that differ only in the length of the fuller, as shown in this comparison image. It carries the Royal Cypher of Kaiser Wilhelm I of Prussia, who reigned from 1861–1888. This example was made for Prussia in 1887 by Alexander Coppel of Solingen. The M1871/84 was the first knife bayonet to become general issue in a major army, setting a trend that continues to the present day. This bayonet will also mount on the earlier 11 mm. Scabbard: "4.R.4.167" and Fraktur proofmarks Simson" over "Suhl" and Crown over "Erfurt"īlade (spine): Crown over "W" over "78" over Fraktur proofmark
It's the first bayonet I've ever recorded marked to this regiment, so it was good to hear about it." I corresponded with Anthony Carter on this piece, because of the regimental markings it carried. At the beginning of the First World War, it was the second oldest regiment in the German Army. This regiment was formed in 1626 at Rastenburg in East Prussia (known, today, as Kętrzyn in Poland, near its northern border with Russia). Ostpreußisches) Nr.4, Kompagnie 4, Waffen Nr. The unit marking, "4.R.4.167.”, signifies: Grenadier-Regiment König Friedrich der Grosse (3. The monarchs of the other German states held the title König (King).īoth the bayonet and scabbard have matching regimental markings. The King of Prussia served as the Imperial head of state and was given the title Kaiser (Emperor). The blade is marked with the Royal Cypher of Kaiser Wilhelm I of Prussia, who reigned from 1861–1888.Ī note regarding German Royalty: The German Empire was a confederation of semi-independent states. However, the bayonet was assembled by the Prussian Royal Arsenal at Erfurt. The blade was manufactured by Gebruder Simson in Suhl. The M1871 bayonet has an unusual brass grip with diagonal serrations on the right grip, while the left grip is smooth. This bayonet was also used extensively with the 8 mm.
Ricasso (Left): "candle lamp" or "hot air balloon" makers markīlade (Spine): "Mre Impale de Tulle Xbre 1867" The double-curve added strength and rigidity, while keeping the hilt and point in alignment for thrusting efficiency.Ĭrosspiece (Left): "R26090" and French proofmarks "Yataghan" is derived from the Turkish word for "one who lays down" to describe the downard-sweeping double-curve blade profile.
#Mauser gewehr 98 markings full#
Read the full story on this well-traveled bayonet. These modified bayonets were reissued to German rear-eschelon troops as sidearms and some were modified to fit German rifles during the First World War. The Scabbard is modified by fitting a German frog stud, so that it may be carried using a M1871 belt frog. The bayonet was subsequently captured by the Germans during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870–71. This example was made in 1867 by the French State Arsenal, Manufacture d'Armes Tulle, using a blade made by the firm of Gustave Felix in Germany. I have been told that this also fits on the M1874 Gras, although this example will not mount to the Gras in my collection. French M1866 Chassepot needle-fire rifle. Yataghan sword bayonet for use on the 11 mm.