Original German WWI M1898/05 Butcher Sawback Parade Bayonet by WKC – Dated 1916 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good example of the M-1898/05 Bayonet (Seitengewehr), which was the most common German Bayonet of the First World War. It was intended for use on the standard issue service rifle of Imperial Germany: the Mauser-designed Gewehr 98 (GEW 98). It features a heavy 14.5-inch steel blade with distinct bulge toward the point, giving extra weight and power to the business end, known as a “butcher blade”.

Normally it would have wooden grips and a flashguard on the grip spine, but this bayonet was either set up originally, or more likely post manufacture, as a plated steel “parade” bayonet, with molded black composition grips. This was definitely a high quality conversion, but we do not know why it was performed.

This example has a very desirable “sawback” blade, which was intended for use by pioneers to saw through brush and obstacles. Unfortunately a rumor got out that it was intended to inflict grievous harm on enemies, so a lot of the sawback bayonets had this feature removed, making them hard to find. This blade of this example was at some point polished and then plated with what looks to be nickel or chrome, though it could be another metal. It has been sharpened and used a bit after that, which did remove some of the plating near the edge. The rest of the blade and sawback retain the plating well.

The molded composition grips are quite lovely, with some white metal fittings around the edges in places. The original rivets with split washers are still present, though they were ground down on both sides, apparently before plating.

The Bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is maker marked:

WEYERSBERG
KIRSCHBAUM
& CIE
SOLINGEN

Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Co. is one of the most well-known makers of edged weapons in the legendary “City of Blades”, Solingen, and this nice example is typical of their high quality work. The blade is dated on the blade’s spine 16 under a proof mark of a Crown over W., for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and indicating the date it was accepted into service.

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find, set up to be a very attractive parade bayonet or display piece. Offered without scabbard.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 14 1/2″
Blade Style: Butcher with Sawback
Overall length: 19 5/8“
Crossguard: 3”