Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent example of a M-1884/98 Second Model Bayonet (Seitengewehr), intended for use on the Mauser GEW 98 rifle. This bayonet design is based on the earlier M1871/84 bayonet with a 10 inch blade, and the first model of these were converted from those bayonets. This example was purpose made for the GEW 98, and was not converted. The sawback version of these are very rare, and seldom seen. The third model of the M1884/98 became the standard bayonet for the k98k rifle used during WWII.
This example has a very nice set of original wood grips, with a very nice hilt with a little rust and a great patina. Bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is clearly maker marked:
GOTTLIEB
HAMMESFAHR
SOLINGEN, FOCHE
To the left of this mark is the companies “Cross on Pyramid” trademark logo. Interestingly, the other side of the blade is stamped with a “Mounted Knight” logo over BAYARD, which we under stand is a mark used by Pieper of Liège in Belgium. We do not know whether this means that they supplied the blade, or that after the war this bayonet was issued in Belgium. Definitely worthy of further research.
The blade is also dated on the blade’s spine 16 under a proof mark of a Crown over W., for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. The blade is in excellent condition, showing only the factory “sharpening” which leaves the blade dull. It is still in the original bright steel, with only minor staining. Definitely one of the best we have seen!
The bayonet is held in the standard all steel scabbard, as used in WWI. It is in very good shape, with a little wear and a great painted black enamel finish. The attached black leather bayonet frog has all the stitching intact, rivets, and is still supple.
All in all a nice example of the very rare M1884/94 II Bayonet of WWI, in excellent condition with scabbard and frog. Ready to display!