Original German WWI Modified M1898/05/24 n/A Butcher Bayonet by Richard A. Herder with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an interesting 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). 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.

As originally manufactured, these featured 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”. However, this example was modified post at arsenal circa 1924 to have more standard thinner blade. The blade was reprofiled and reblued, which unfortunately has made the markings somewhat faint. The cross guard was also minimized to be closer to the standard 98K bayonet. These became known as the M98/05/24 Bayonet.

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, though the finish is worn to a grayish patina from use and age. Bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is maker marked:

RICH. A. HERDER
(Diamond Trademark)
SOLINGEN

This company was founded in 1884 by one of the many branches of the Herder family of Solingen. They began making standard steelware such as knives, hammer, tweezers, and other tools. They began to specialize in drop forging, and supplied blade blanks to many companies during the WWI period. There is a faded marking on the other ricasso, but all we can make out is “&Co. / URG“. Most likely this is the remains of H. “MUNDLOS & CO. / MAGDEBURG”, who was one of the three companies that Herder supplied blade blanks for the S98/05 to.  For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS. The spine of the blade has a proof mark, but no acceptance date, so it was most likely issued to one of the larger states of the German Empire. 

The blade is in very good condition, with a lot of the arsenal refinish still intact. There is runner wear and edge wear to the finish, which is to be expected, but it presents quite nicely. The scabbard is the standard German steel style, and still has a lot of the original finish as well.

A fine example of a WWI bayonet, modified for further service post war. Ready to add to your collection!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 14 1/4”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Overall length: 19 1/2”
Crossguard: 1 3/4”
Scabbard length: 16″