Original German WWI M1898/05 n/A “Sanitized” Butcher Sawback Bayonet by Simson & Co. with Scabbard – Dated 1915 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 was originally produced with a “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. It got to the point that many Germans believed that the British summarily executed all Germans found carrying sawback bayonets when captured, so a lot of the sawback bayonets had this feature removed. This would have been quite ironic, since the sawback bayonet was originally first a British development. While this example no longer has the “saw back”, it can clearly be seen that it originally did have one, now ground away, thankfully leaving the markings on the spine intact.

This example has a very nice set of original smooth wood grips, with denting and some small chips from wear. The hilt and crossguard are solid, with a lovely blued finish, now worn in a few areas. The bayonet lock is fully functional.

The blade ricasso is maker marked SIMSON & Co / SUHL, indicating manufacture by Gebrüder Simson (Simson Brothers) in Suhl, Thuringia, Germany. This company, later known as Simson & Cie, was a major manufacturer in the Suhl Area, and later began production of bicycles and other items in addition to edged weapons. At the onset of WWI, the company had 3500 employees, however in the post war depression, they had to fire 2/3 of their workforce. The company continued trading and was again successful, however since the Simson family were Jewish, they found the company headquarters occupied by the SA in 1933. The company was then forcibly renamed BSW, and pressed into service making small arms. Thankfully, the Simson family was able to emigrate to the U.S.A. in 1936. For more information please see J Anthony Carter’s excellent work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The blade is in very good condition, except for the missing saw back. It has a nice arsenal refinish, which has worn through in some places, but still looks quite nice. The steel scabbard is in very good condition, not arsenal refinished, with a few dents that do not interfere with sheathing the blade.

A very nice example of the unfortunate fate of many rare Butcher “Sawback” bayonets from the First World War. Ready to display!

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