Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet in Ersatz Scabbard with Frog 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 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 used condition. The blade finish is very nice, with a few areas staining and pitting on the bright steel blade as shown. It has been sharpened on the edge, and there are some edge dents. The sawback itself is in excellent condition.

The hilt has a nice set of original grooved wood grips, which have a lovely aged brown color, and some scratches and small dents. The metal of the hilt still has a lovely bright steel finish, with a bit of peppering. The Bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade is mostly unmarked, except for a German proof mark on the left pommel, and an S on top of the cross guard. This bayonet was probably arsenal re-ground, which unfortunately would have removed the maker and acceptance markings. 

The steel scabbard is a typical “Ersatz” (Replacement) design, used to quickly make scabbards for equipping rear echelon troops. The design is simpler than the standard scabbard, with the end just being soldered together, as opposed to a single piece. It fits nicely into the leather frog, which is a slightly modified from standard to make the button easier to fit.

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in such good condition, with loads of patina, ready to display!