German Mauser M1871 Bayonet, 66th Infantry Regiment, dated 1873 by Wilhelm & Co, Suhl
Single fullered, spear pointed blade. Steel hilt with forward upper quillon atop the muzzle ring and reverse lower quillon. Brass grip with beaked pommel, steel external leaf spring for the locking mechanism. Black leather scabbard with brass fittings at the throat and chape. Blade 18 3/8 inches in length, the bayonet 23½ inches overall.
The hilt is stamped with the unit mark ‘66.R.6.6’, indicating that it belonged with rifle number 6 of the 6th Company, 66th Infantry Regiment. The blade is stamped at the ricasso on one side with the maker’s mark ‘E WILHELM SUHL’, indicating Ernst Wilhelm & Cie, a manufacturer based in the city of Suhl in Thuringen. The 1871 Pattern was the only bayonet produced by this firm. The spine of the blade is stamped with a crown and ‘W73’, indicating that it was manufactured in 1873 during the reign of Wilhelm I, as well as an acceptance stamp. The pommel is stamped next to the locking button with a worn crown acceptance mark.
Please note: the scabbard on this example is a reproduction, which is very close to the original but lacks any markings and is missing a few more subtle features (like the incised lines on the frog hook). The bayonet itself is an original antique.
The tip of the blade has been broken about 2mm short and there are some chips to its edge. The blade has some patination and areas of cleaned pitting. Some light patination to the hilt, the brass grip has an even patina with some light dents and scratches. The scabbard has no significant wear.
