Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet by Fichtel & Sachs dated 1917 with Steel Scabbard & Frog 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. For more information please see Watts & White, THE BAYONET BOOK, page 124, illustration 270.

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 has a blade in very good condition. There is little staining or rust, just overall wear from cleaning. It does not appear to have been sharpened much, and the sawback itself is in excellent condition.

The pommel has a nice set of original grooved wood grips, though they are somewhat
dark in color due to staining, and the hilt has some surface oxidation due to age. Bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is maker marked:

(CROSSED KEYS)
FICHTEL & SACHS
SCHWEINFERT

Per J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the Fichtel & Sachs company was founded in 1895 by Karl Fichtel and Ernst Sachs, originally for making ball bearings and bicycle parts. They also made S.98/05 Bayonets for the Bavarian Government from 1915-1918, and during 1916-1917, many blades bore the “Crossed Keys” of Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn of Solingen. This indicates that they supplied the blade blanks for these bayonets, of which this is one example.

The blade is dated on the blade’s spine 17 under a proof mark of a Crown over L, for King Ludwig III of Bavaria, and indicating the date it was accepted into service. Ludwig reigned as king from 1913 until 1918, when the Monarchy was abolished. Previously he had been the Prince Regent 1912-1913, as his cousin Otto was technically the King, however he was deemed unfit for rule, so his uncle and later cousin ruled in his stead. There is also an inspector proof under the date marking.

The blade is in good condition, though it does have some staining and wear, and has been sharpened, though not enough to change the blade shape. Please consult the pictures for condition details.

The steel scabbard is in good condition and the original blued finish is mostly present and there are areas of light surface rust, typical of a 100 year old scabbard. The frog button is still intact and unbent. The scabbard is held by a nice original brown leather frog (Seitengewehrtragetasche), which shows quite a bit of age. It still has the original stitching and rivets intact with securing strap and buckle. The belt loop is completely intact and serviceable.

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 & Sawback
Overall length: 19 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4″