Germany, Imperial. A Model 1898 Bayonet, Long Version, by Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie

(Bajonett M1898). A Heer (Army) Mode 1898 bayonet, measuring 67 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 53 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side. The obverse ricasso is maker marked with the classic knight’s helmet logo of Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic steel hilt featuring a hooked quillon and insertion slot retaining a functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of ribbed brown wood compose the handle grip, and are fastened in place with dual magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a boiled and blackened leather shaft. Nickel-plated magnetic metal fixtures are secured to both the tip and throat with rivets, with a downward-pointing hook emanating from the latter for the accommodation of a frog. Issues consistent with age and field use are evidence, and include some running marks to the blade, loss of nickel to the plated fixtures, loosening of the scabbard caps, the loss of the throat cap rivet, and friction which renders full insertion of the bayonet into the scabbard impossible. This field-used example remains in a very fine condition.