German WW I Bayonet marked "Erfurt" for a Mauser rifle POSSIBLY THIS BAYONET: Sword bayonet for use with the 11 mm. M1871 Mauser rifle. This bayonet was also used extensively with the 8 mm. M1888 Commission Rifle. The M1871 bayonet has an unusual brass grip with diagonal serrations on the right grip, while the left grip is smooth. The blade was manufactured by Gebruder Simson in Suhl. Gebruder Simson became Simson & Co. in 1880. However, the bayonet was assembled by the Prussian Royal Arsenal at Erfurt. The blade is marked with the Royal Cypher of Kaiser Wilhelm I of Prussia, who reigned from 1861–1888. A note regarding German Royalty: The German Empire was a confederation of semi-independent states. The King of Prussia served as the Imperial head of state and was given the title Kaiser (Emperor). The monarchs of the other German states held the title König (King).