Seitengewehr 71
Well, I finally acquired an original German Seitengewehr 71 for my collection although it’s not in great condition. The brass handle is ok with some minimal dings and the blade is heavily surface rusted and caked over and has alot of pitting. The Seitengewehr 71 is scarce & when found for sale can be expensive, so even though there’s condition issues & no scabbard, it is a welcome addition to my bayonet collection. At this point I haven’t been able to determine unit marks or maker due to the heavy pitting & surface rust although the pommel is marked with a crown over A. I’m researching this, but so far have found nothing for this cypher. The seitengewehr 71 was used on the mauser rifle 1871, model 1871/84 mauser & the 1888 commission rifle. The M1871 bayonet was declared obsolete by most of the german / prussian armies by 188os & was put to use with reserve units and was used on 1888 commission rifles in reserve units serving through WWI.
S71’s are my favorite, just wish I had a S71mS sawback, don’t have the coin for one yet. Top of my dream list.
Just as you said above, the Imperial Germans opted for the Grandaddy of all knife bayonets, the S71/84’s with their new rifle Gew 71/84. I believe however that the Garde Korps retained their S71’s in favor of the new bayonet.
With the introduction of the French Lebel and it’s Epee bayonet that gave an advantage in reach for the French soldier due to it’s longer blade, with the introduction of the Gew 88, the S71 was again in favor and issued to all infantry troops.
my grandfather gave me the same bayonet mentioned above
the markings are clearly visible
IX.GB.II.4.95
on the blade is a crown with a symbol W
76
Hi, My 1871 has the stamp B.L.Z.1.23 on the guard and scabbard throat. Other markings, apparently two other regiments, have been crossed out. There is no Imperial cypher on the back of the blade. Is this correct for Bavarian issue? I will probably put this up for sale on the Knife & Bayonet site. Oh, the scabbard seam is separated, otherwise the scabbard and the bayo are in good shape. $300 or am I being greedy? TIA, Ray