Original German WWI Service Worn Seitengewehr 1914 Sawback Bayonet by SAMSON WERK Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a really hard to find bayonet, and this particular example unfortunately had lain ignored in poor storage for many many years. The blade has significant staining and light pitting from water exposure, however the hilt is still in remarkably good condition.

This model bayonet was introduced in 1914, having been diverted from a South American Contract that was subsequently never filled. They were intended to take the place of the well known Butcher Bayonet, however were not popular with the Front Line troops.  About 6% were made with Saw Backs intended for Sappers, Engineers and Machine Gunners. Not widely distributed before withdrawal so consequently these are very hard to locate. The blade is just over 12 inches in length and these were issued with all steel scabbards.

Our example is in service worn condition, and no longer has the original steel scabbard. Given the condition of the blade, the scabbard was probably in even worse condition, and probably rusted away. The blade has been sharpened, and the saw back does show denting and wear. The grip scales are in good shape, with the expected dents from service, and have a great red brown color. There are also proof marks on the spine of the blade, and on the pommel. The latch still works, but it sticks a bit due to dents on the pommel. This definitely looks to have bene used in the field a lot.

The blade ricasso is maker marked, which is still easily read:

SAMSON WERK

This is a well-known maker that has been seen on other examples of this model bayonet. There are also traces of an imperial proof mark on the spine, but we are not able to tell what year it was inspected.

A RARE bayonet very hard to find, but will fill a hole in most German Bayonet Collections. Cleaned and ready to display.

Specifications:
Blade Length: 12 3/8″
Blade Style: Single Edge w/ Fuller & Sawback
Overall length: 17 1/2“
Crossguard: 1 1/4”