Original German WWI Partially “Sanitized” M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet by H. Mundlos & Co. with Steel Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very 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). 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. For more information please see Watts & White, THE BAYONET BOOK, page 124, illustration 270.

This example originally had the 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 had a rushed “sanitization”, with only the tips ground off, most likely in the field by a soldier worried about reprisals. This unfortunately also removed the markings from the spine, and possibly from the blade body as well.

The pommel has a nice set of original grooved wood grips, though they are somewhat dark in color due to staining, and look to have been sanded down a bit. The hilt has some surface oxidation due to age and the bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is maker marked:

H. MUNDLOS & CO
MAGDEBURG

This retailers was one of the three companies that Richard A. Herder of Solingen supplied blade blanks for the S98/05 to during WWI. For more information please see J. Anthony Carter’s fine work GERMAN SWORD AND KNIFE MAKERS.

The blade is in good condition considering what it has been through, and still retains the classic “butcher” shape. It has had the main edge sharpened several times, and overall it has been cleaned numerous times. The included metal scabbard is solid, but shows a lot of oxidation and past pitting on the outside, matching the worn condition of the bayonet.

A very nice example of what unfortunately was the fate for many of the original Butcher “Sawback” bayonets of WWI fame. Complete with scabbard and ready to display!

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″