Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Bayonet by H. Mundlos & Co With Scabbard 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 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 dents and overall light wear. There is a bit of peppered oxidation on the bright steel hilt, but it could most likely be cleaned away. We have left it intact to preserve the patina. The original proof marks are visible on the pommel, and the bayonet lock is still fully functional. The blade ricasso still has the original maker mark, which is still clear:

H. MUNDLOS & CO
MAGDEBURG

The reverse ricasso is marked with the company that forged the unmounted blade blank:

GEBR. HARTKOPF
SOLINGEN

Gebrüder Hartkopf, Gesenkschmiede (Drop Forging) was founded in 1872 by brothers (gebrüder) Carl & August Hartkopf. According to GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS by J. Anthony Carter, the company made many blade blanks for 98/05 bayonets during the 1917-1918 era. These were shipped to many makers/finishers, and L.O. Dietrich was one of the major recipients.

The blade is dated on the blade’s spine 17 under a proof mark of a Crown over W, forKaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. There is also an inspector proof under the date marking.

The blade on this example is really in great shape, with the original bright finish almost entirely retained, with almost no staining, and just a bit of runner wear. It was sharpened for issue, but does not appear to have been sharpened post arsenal.
The steel scabbard has fared somewhat worse, and has some sizeable dents, as well as pit rust oxidation on the last 6 inches of the scabbard. It did quite a good job of protecting the blade from damage and oxidation. The throat retaining screw is retained, and overall the finish is relatively worn.

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in any condition, just the way we like to find them, without any major alterations. Ready to display!

Specifications:

Blade Length: 14 5/8″
Blade Style: Butcher with Smoothback
Overall length: 19 3/4“
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 15 1/4″