Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet marked CITO – CÖLN with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice 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 good condition, with some staining and light pitting from water exposure in areas. It does not appear to have been sharpened much, and the sawback itself is in very good condition. The blade spine is unmarked, without the usual acceptance proofs seen.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips, which do show some wear and small chips. The hilt has a lovely overall oxidized patina, and the bayonet lock is fully functional.

The blade ricasso is clearly maker marked:

CITO – CÖLN

The “CITO” trademark brand name is somewhat of a mystery, as it is associated with both Sichersheits-Rasiermesser GmbH and Eduard Dünkelberg, both of of Leipzig in Saxony. Given that “Sichersheits-Rasiermesser” translates to “safety razor” we would assume this is the manufacturer. The brand name would later be used as one of many owned by Ernst Pack & Söhne, however that company was not founded until 1922 and did not use the trademark until later. For more information please see J Anthony Carter’s excellent work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The included steel scabbard is in good condition, with a lot of the original finish still present, and dirt and light oxidation in areas. The outer side of the scabbard does have some denting from service, but the back does not look to have any dents. The frog button is unbent, and it still fits the bayonet well.

A very nice example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find, 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″