Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Plated Parade Bayonet by STAHLBLUME – dated 1916 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great 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 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 example was at some point fully plated with what looks to be nickel or chrome, turning it into a very attractive “parade” version. Most of these that we have seen were purpose made as a display bayonet, however this one was definitely a service used bayonet, with the sharpened blade and proofs to prove it!

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips that have a lovely color, retained by the correct screws and spanner nuts. Bayonet lock is fully functional, and the flash guard is undented, which is rare as these were often used as a hammer in the field. The blade ricasso is maker marked (bottom line faint):

STAHLBLUME
(Trumpeting Angel Trademark)
FERD. SCHLEUTERMANN
REMSCHEID-HASTEN

This is the logo used by Ferdinand Schleutermann, Remscheider Metallsägenfabrik (Saw Blade Factory) KG, a known maker of the M1898/05 Bayonet during WWI. The company held many trade names, and the one seen on these bayonets was “STAHLBLUME”, or “Steel Flower.” This company was mostly known for making saw blades, and the only edged weapons they ever made were these bayonets, produced during the 1916-1918 period. The “Angel” trademark was actually from another company, who may have produced the blade blanks, per J Anthony Carter’s excellent work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The blade is dated on the spine with 16 under a proof mark of a Crown over W, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. Overall condition is very good, with the plating still retained quite well. There is a bit of oxidation on the hilt, but the blade itself still looks great. The scabbard is also plated, and while it does have a few dents, it is really a nice example, with a nice matured look to the plating. The scabbard button is intact and unbent.

An excellent parade example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in such fine condition. Ready to display!

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