Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet with Steel Scabbard and Frog – c.1915 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is the M-1898/05 Bayonet, which was the most common German Bayonet of the First World War. 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 lacked 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, though the hilt has some surface rusting due to age. Bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade has unfortunately been “scrubbed” of most of the original markings, such as the maker mark on the blade ricasso, and the proof marks on the spine. It does still have a Crown over W on the pommel. The blade has been re-numbered 5233. Most likely this was done post war, maybe for the Weimar republic, or for issue to rear-line troops.

The blade itself is in very nice condition, with a nice finish, and a nice edge. It has been sharpened and polished, but the steel is still solid, and the “sawback” spine is still quite sharp.

The bayonet and scabbard come with an original leather frog, which still has the maker mark on the back clearly stamped:

G. J. Ensink & Co.
OHRDRUF

The frog is in great shape, with just a bit of stiffness from age. The scabbard itself steel, and has been repainted, possibly during re-arsenal after WWI. The scabbard still has proof marks stamped into the metal throat on the top of the scabbard. It has a few small dents, but is otherwise in very good condition.

A fine example of a hard to find Imperial German Butcher Sawback bayonet, ready to display!