Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Bayonet by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie with Scabbard – 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”. This version is known as n/A (neuer Art = newer model). This second pattern lacks the first pattern’s vestigial muzzle ring (or ‘ears’) and has a flashguard on the back of the grip.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips, with denting and some small chips from wear. The hilt and crossguard are solid, though the finish is worn to a grayish patina from use and age. Bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is maker marked:

WEYERSBERG
KIRSCHBAUM
& CIE
SOLINGEN

This company is a famous manufacturer of military swords and cutlery in Solingen, Germany – a city famous since the middle ages for its metal-working and craftsmanship in sword making. Per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS, the traditional manufacturing of swords at WKC dates back to the year 1774 when the Weyersberg first registered the ”Kings head” as their trademark. Later in 1883 the company merged with the Kirschbaums and the company WKC was formed as it exists today. It was heavily involved with exporting edged weapons to South American countries in the late 19th and early 20th century.

The blade is also dated on the blade’s spine 16 under a proof mark of a Crown over W., for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. There are additional markings on the spine and other areas. The blade is in very good condition, with a partly bright finish and edge. It does show some sign of sharpening and cleaning, but still has the original shape and looks great. The steel scabbard is in good condition, with a worn finish and extensive denting to the exterior. This does not interfere with sheathing the bayonet at all.

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find, never messed with, just the way we like to find them, ready to display.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 14 1/2”
Blade Style: Single Edged “Butcher” with Fuller
Overall length: 19 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4″