Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet with Scabbard – Dated 1915 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good service used 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 service used condition. The blade finish has speckling, and definitely shows that this bayonet was used extensively while in service, and possibly afterwards. The main edge has been sharpened several times, and the tip is a bit rounded. The sawback is still intact, but also shows wear from use, and possibly contact with the scabbard.

The hilt has a nice set of original grooved wood grips, which have a lovely aged brown color, and some scratches and small dents. They do show age and light cracking, as well as denting near the flashguard, which also has dents in it. The metal of the hilt has an oxidized brown patina over most surfaces, however the bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade is dated on the blade’s spine 15 under a proof mark of a Crown over W., for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and indicating the date it was accepted into service.

The steel scabbard is in good condition, though it is missing the screw that retains the throat, and has some significant dents near the bottom. Overall the finish shows some of the original bluing, with the rest worn and showing light oxidation.

A very nice service used Butcher Sawback bayonet, never messed with, just the way we like to find them. Ready to display or fit to your Mauser Rifle!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 14 ”
Blade Style: Single Edged “Butcher” with Fuller & Sawback
Overall length: 19 1/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4″