Original German WWI Commercial Private Purchase M1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet with “High Horns” & Leather Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting commercial 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 a/A (alter Art = old model). These early pattern bayonets were made with a vestigial muzzle ring, known as "high horns", and did not have a flashguard on the back of the grip. Almost all examples of the a/A would later have the "horns" ground away, so it is very rare to find an intact example such as this!

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 little staining or rust, just overall wear from cleaning. It does not appear to have been sharpened much, and the sawback itself is in excellent condition.

The pommel has a nice set of original grooved wood grips, though they are somewhat dark in color due to being a commercial pattern, and the hilt has what appears to be a nickeled finish.

The blade is unmarked due to this being a commercial or private purchase example. The bayonet lock is very very stiff and requires force to push, but it should work.

There is no spine marking as this was never accepted into service and was instead purchased as a private purchase example, possibly by an officer. This example actually retains a red felt blade buffer, something you never see on these!

The rare steel-fitted leather scabbard is in fair condition, but the leather has shrunken a bit over time. The stitching is intact but weak, and the steel fittings the same nickel plating as the hilt.

A very interesting commercial example of a famous bayonet with a sawback. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 14 1/2”
Blade Style: Single Edged "Butcher" with Fuller
Overall length: 19 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4"