Original German WWI M1898/05 “Sanitized” Butcher Sawback Bayonet by C. G. Haenel with Scabbard – Dated 1914 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 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 grooved 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 C.G. HAENEL / SUHL, a well-known maker of bayonets during WWI and prior. The company also manufactured firearms, including the well-known Reichsrevolver of the late 19th century. It would continue manufacturing firearms and was a major supplier of small arms during WWII, and was even involved in the development of the STG44. The company exists to this day.

The blade is also dated on the blade’s spine 14 under a proof mark of a Crown over W, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. There are additional markings on the cross guard and pommel. 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, also 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: 10”
Blade Style: Single Edged “Butcher” with Fuller
Overall length: 15”
Crossguard: 2 1/4”
Scabbard length: 11″