Original German Mauser Model 1871 Sawback Rifle Bayonet by E. Wilhelm Suhl with Scabbard - Unit Marked - Dated 1874 - Rare

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very good & extremely scarce example of the Mauser Model 1871 Sawback rifle bayonet with brass hilt, complete with the original brass-fitted leather scabbard. The bayonet is in good condition, and is marked on the rear of the blade with an 1874 year as well as the usual acceptance marks. These bayonets are nearly impossible to find with a Sawback, making this a very rare offering.

The steel blade is 18 ½” long and is in good condition, and has not had the main edge sharpened at any time, so it still has the factory blunt edge. It has staining and pitting, but overall looks great. The sawback is very well-retained and is still sharp.

The blade ricasso is marked E. WILHELM / SUHL indicating manufacture by Ernst Wilhelm & Cie, a manufacturer based in the city of Suhl in Thuringen. The 1871 Pattern was the only bayonet produced by this firm. The spine of the blade is stamped with a crown over ‘W74’, indicating that it was manufactured in 1874 during the reign of Wilhelm I, as well as an acceptance stamp.

The handle of the bayonet is in fair condition but the crossguard is very heavily oxidized as shown which has obstructed some of the unit marks. The bayonet latch of this example is rather rusted, and we were unable to get it to move very much, so it could likely use some oiling. The steel “S” shaped crossguard bears the regimental marking 54.R.R.6.64, and the throat of the scabbard bears the marking 123.R.16.212, so this set is not matching. The scabbard marking indicates the 123th (4th Württemberg) Grenadiers “King Charles” Regiment, 16th Company, 212th Weapon. We are unsure of the unit of the bayonet. 

The bayonet comes in its original brass mounted black leather scabbard, the leather of which is heavily worn and crazed, but the stitching has mostly held up. There are also proof marks on the hilt and drag of the scabbard. The scabbard is in fair condition overall but is very worn.

A very nice example of this extremely rare sawback bayonet, ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 18 ½”
Blade Style: Single Edge with Sawback & Fuller
Overall length: 23 1/2“
Crossguard: 4 5/8”
Scabbard Length: 19⅝"