Original German WWI M1898/05 A/a Butcher Sawback Bayonet with "High Horns" by Erfurt with Scabbard - Dated 1914

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 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 good condition overall. The blade does show some signs of oxidation spotting but this could likely be cleaned away with work. The sawback itself is in excellent condition.

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

This example is marked ERFURT under a Crown on the ricasso for manufacture at the Royal Erfurt Arsenal, located in Thuringia. The blade is also dated on the blade's spine “14” under a inspection marking of a Crown over W, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted. The blade is in great condition There is minor staining, and some recent oxidation.

The steel scabbard is in good condition, with heavy oxidation and overall wear. The screw under the frog button is also missing, so it is very difficult to sheathe and unsheathe the blade. It will require some pressure to insert and remove it. 

A great example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in such fine condition. 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"