Description: IMPERIAL GERMAN MODEL 1898 SWORD BAYONET - S.98nAImperial German Model 1898 Sword Bayonet. Single edged, quill-back, bright blade with fuller. Maker marked by C.G. Haenel, Suhl on one side of the ricasso. 1903 inspection mark present. Steel hilt with wood grips. Inspection marked leather covered scabbard with steel fittings. Blade Length: 20 1/2" Total Length: 26"

Condition Report:Good. Bright blade has some pitting and dark spots, old blade grease present. Hilt and scabbard fittings have surface rust.

The History of C.G. Haenel:The history of C.G. Haenel traces back to 1840 when Carl Gottlieb Haenel, a Prussian commissioner for firearms manufacturing, diversified the company's operations into producing bicycles and weapons. This combination was not uncommon during that era due to shared means of production and skills. In 1887, the company collaborated with weapons designer C.W. Aydt to produce his target rifle and later the Aydt target pistol, expanding its portfolio in the firearms industry.

Throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries, C.G. Haenel continued to evolve, engaging in partnerships and developing various firearms, including revolvers and hunting weapons. The company's involvement in arms manufacturing intensified with contracts from the German Army, particularly during World War I, when it produced significant quantities of the Mauser Model 98 rifle.

In the interwar period, C.G. Haenel faced financial challenges, including bankruptcy, but also experienced periods of innovation and growth. This era saw the introduction of pocket pistols and automatic submachine guns, notably the MP28, which found applications with law enforcement agencies worldwide.

The tumultuous events of World War II deeply impacted the company's trajectory. It played a role in developing the revolutionary Sturmgewehr 44 assault rifle, but like many German arms manufacturers, it faced disruptions due to wartime conditions and eventual occupation by Allied forces.

Following Germany's defeat in World War II, C.G. Haenel underwent restructuring and reorganization under Soviet occupation in what would become East Germany. The company shifted its focus to producing air rifles and hunting carbines, adapting to the post-war environment and the changing demands of the market.

In the decades that followed, C.G. Haenel experienced various transformations, including periods of closure and revival. In 2008, the company was reestablished under its original name and became part of Merkel, a subsidiary of Caracal International based in the United Arab Emirates. This marked a new chapter for the company, which continued to innovate and produce firearms for both civilian and military markets.

Today, C.G. Haenel remains a prominent name in the firearms industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation, carrying forward a legacy that spans over a century of craftsmanship and technological advancement.

S.98nA Bayonet info:

The 1898 Mauser "Quillback" bayonet is a distinctive bayonet designed for use with various models of Mauser rifles, particularly the Mauser Gewehr 98 (G98) rifle. Here's some information about it:

Design: The "Quillback" nickname comes from the distinctive shape of the bayonet's cross-section, which resembles a quill or a triangle. It features a blade with a fuller (a groove running along the flat of the blade) and a distinctively shaped crossguard.

Compatibility: The 1898 Mauser Quillback bayonet was designed to fit the Gewehr 98 rifle, which was the standard infantry rifle of the German Army during World War I. However, it may also fit other Mauser rifles with similar bayonet lugs.

Length: The bayonet typically has a blade length of around 20 inches (50 centimeters), though there may be slight variations depending on the specific model and manufacturer.

Manufacturers: Various manufacturers produced these bayonets, including Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Co. (WKC), Alex Coppel (Alcoso), and E. & F. Hörster.

Markings: The bayonets often bear markings indicating the manufacturer and sometimes the year of production. These markings can help identify the bayonet's origin and authenticity.

Collectability: Like many historical military artifacts, 1898 Mauser Quillback bayonets are sought after by collectors due to their historical significance and unique design. Condition, markings, and rarity can all influence the value of a particular bayonet.