Original German WWI M1898/05 A/a Butcher Bayonet with "High Horns" by R. Stock & Co. of Berlin-Marienfelde with Leather Scabbard - Dated 1915

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent 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”). This early pattern features the tall vestigial muzzle ring (or 'ears') and normally would not have a flashguard on the back of the grip but this one however does.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips in an attractive walnut color. The hilt is still in original bright metal finish, showing some heavy oxidation that has accumulated over the years here and there. The bayonet lock is fully functional. The bayonet is nicely marked, with inspection proofs on nearly every part.

The blade ricasso is maker-marked:

R. STOCK & Co.
BERLIN-MARIENFELDE

This is the first time we’ve had an example by Stock & Co. The spine is proof marked Crown / W directly in front of the cross guard, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, the German Emperor. Under this is 15, indicating acceptance in 1915.

The rare steel-fitted leather scabbard is in fair condition, but the leather has shrunken a bit over time, so it no longer fits fully on the bayonet. The stitching is intact but weak, and the steel fittings have heavy rust specking and patination, as expected. The fittings are a bit loose but still fits well.

A good 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
Overall length: 19 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4"