Original German WWI M1898/05 Nickel Plated Butcher Parade Bayonet with Scabbard & Frog – Dated 1915 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”.

Normally it would have wooden grips and a flashguard on the grip spine, but this bayonet was either set up originally, or more likely post manufacture, as a nickel plated steel “parade” bayonet. Both the bayonet and scabbard had the original finish removed, and are now entirely nickel plated. This was definitely a high quality conversion, but we do not know why it was performed.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips, with a few small chips and dents. The hilt plating is retained very well, and the bayonet lock is fully functional. The original markings on the ricasso are no longer visible, however 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 very good condition, with no denting we can see, and does not look to have had any pitting before it was plated. The scabbard is held by a very nice original brown leather frog (Seitengewehrtragetasche), which is in great shape. The stitching looks to be completely intact, and it does not have any rivets, so it is most likely a parade version.

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find, set up to be a very attractive parade bayonet or display piece. Ready to display with its original scabbard and frog!

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″