Original German WWI Unmarked M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet with Scabbard Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a great 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.

This example has a 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 has a blade in very good condition. There is a bit of light staining, but no major rust issues. It does appear to have been sharpened but not much, and the sawback itself is in good condition.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips that have a lovely color and minor chipping, with a very nice hilt with little rust and a great patina. Bayonet lock is fully functional, and the flash guard is undented, which is rare as these were often used as a hammer in the field. The knife in general appears to have gone through some rather extensive cleaning. There is pitting throughout and a scent of oils and cleaning product still present.

The blade is in very good condition, with the original arsenal sharpening, which is still mostly intact, with only a bit of wear. The original blued finish is completely faded, and there is a bunch of light surface rust on the blade, which could be easily cleaned away. We have left it intact to preserve the lovely patina.

This example is unmarked in regards to the manufacturer, date and acceptance markings. We have not encountered any like this one before and would make for an excellent research project.

The steel scabbard is in very good condition, with just a few small dents, and without any major rust and also appears to have been cleaned. The body of the scabbard does have pitting present throughout. The frog button is still intact and unbent. The leather frog is still solid and intact.

An excellent example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in such fine condition, never messed with, just the way we like to find them. 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″