Original German WWI Artillery Unit Marked First Pattern M1898/05 a/A Butcher Bayonet With “High Horns” by Carl Eickhorn with Matched Scabbard – Dated 1915 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very 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 a/A (alter Art = old model). These early pattern bayonets were made with a vestigial muzzle ring, known as “high horns”, and did not have a flashguard on the back of the grip.

Almost all examples of the a/A would later have the “horns” ground away, so it is very rare to find an intact example such as this!

This example was originally produced without a “sawback” so all markings on the spine are still able to be read properly. The blade is dated on the blade’s spine 15 under a proof mark of a Crown over W, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. There is also an inspector proof under the date marking.

This example has a very nice set of original smooth wood grips, with denting and some small chips from wear. The hilt and crossguard are solid, with a lovely bright finish, now worn in a few areas. The bayonet lock is fully functional.

The blade ricasso is maker marked “CARL EICKHORN / SOLINGEN”. Germany. Per J. Anthony Carter’s book GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this specific version of the mark was used on swords, “walking out” bayonets, and other similar items after 1906. This is exactly the mark that should be on a WWI Blade. This company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The blade is in very good condition with very minor staining present. It has a nice arsenal refinish, which has worn through in some places, but still looks quite nice. The steel scabbard is in very good condition, not arsenal refinished, with a few scratches and minimal denting (if any) that do not interfere with sheathing the blade.

Both the cross guard and scabbard bear German regimental designation PKP 76, which we believe is for Park Kompanie 76. These “park” or “depot” companies were responsible for supplying the individual batteries within artillery units, and look to have been numbered sequentially in a way that was not related to the actual regimental designation. Unfortunately we have not been able to determine what regiment this unit was attached to, and leave it as a great research opportunity.

A great example of an early pattern “Butcher” bayonet, still with the original “high horns”, made by the most legendary of all Solingen makers. Complete with a scabbard, this bayonet is ready to research and 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″