Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the rare M-1884/98 Sawback Bayonet (Seitengewehr), intended for use on the Mauser GEW 98 rifle, and KAR98A Carbine . 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 been fit with a WWII Scabbard and Pebbled Leather Frog.
This example has a very nice set of original wood grips, with a very nice hilt which retains the nickel plating well. Bayonet lock is fully functional. The bayonet is overall stellar for its age. The blade ricasso is maker clearly marked:
GEBR. HELLER
MARIENTHAL
Gebrüder Heller GmbH Messer- und Kugelfabrik (Heller Brothers LLC Knife and Bullet Factory). This company was located in Marienthal. According to Anthony Carter it produced also army and airforce daggers as well as SA service daggers. It presumably was assigned the RZM number M7/50.
There is no inspector mark on the spine of the blade or Imperial proof or date, so this bayonet was most likely used by one of the more independent States of the German Empire, or was simply a commercial example. The blade is in very good condition. The original “sawback” is still quite sharp. The WWII steel scabbard is unmarked as well, and comes with a WWII period pebbled leather frog in good condition. The colors complement the grips very well.
All in all an excellent example of a commercial example of the very rare M1884/94 II Sawback Bayonet of WWI, in good shape with a WWII scabbard and frog. Ready to display!
Dimensions:
Blade length: 9 7/8”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller & Sawback
Overall length: 15”
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard length: 10 3/4″