Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Bayonet by F. Koeller & Co. with Scabbard – Dated 1918 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 a few small ships and dents. 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 clearly marked:

F. KOELLER & Co.
OHLIGS
SOLINGEN

The blade is also dated on the blade’s spine 18 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 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 very good condition, with a lot of the original blued finish still present. There are areas of wear through, as expected for a scabbard of this age, but overall it looks great. There are only a few small dents, and the frog button is intact and unbent.

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in such fine condition, 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″