Original German WWI M1898/05 a/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet with "High Horns" by P.D. Lüneschloss Solingen with Scabbard - 1913 Dated

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice 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 fair condition. There is some heavy staining and rusting across the blade, but it could likely be removed with some work. It does not appear to have been sharpened much, and the sawback itself is in good condition.

This example has a nice set of original grooved wood grips that have a lovely color and heavy chipping from time, with a very nice hilt with some heavy oxidation 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 guard does have some oxidation which is to be expected. The blade in general looks to be uncleaned, with minor pitting in specific spots. The blade ricasso is maker marked (top line faint):

P. D.
LÜNESCHLOSS
SOLINGEN

The well-known P.D. Lüneschloss, Fabrik blanker Waffen (Factory of Bare Weapons) company was founded in 1810 by Peter Daniel Lüneschloss. It originally began as a cutlery manufacturer but started the production of edged weapons in 1848. During the American Civil War of 1861-65, Lüneschloss supplied edged weapons to both Federal and Confederate forces, though definitely supplied more to the former. The company began producing bayonets in 1860, and had various contracts for them around the world, per J. Anthony Carter's work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The blade is dated on the blade's spine with 1913 and 2 visible proof marks. The original blued finish is completely faded, and there is a great deal of surface rust on the blade, which could be easily cleaned away. We have left it intact to preserve the lovely patina.

The steel scabbard is in fair condition, with some various pitting and oxidation across the body. The frog button is still intact and unbent. The blade still fits well into the scabbard but it takes some force.

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"