Original German WWI Seitengewehr M1884/98 II Sawback Bayonet by F. Koeller & Co. with WWII Scabbard

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the rare M-1884/98 Sawback Bayonet (Seitengewehr), intended for use on the Mauser GEW 98 rifle, and KAR98A Carbine . This bayonet design is based on the earlier M1871/84 bayonet with a 10 inch blade, and the first model of these were converted from those bayonets. This example was purpose made for the GEW 98, and was not converted. The sawback version of these are very rare, and seldom seen. The third model of the M1884/98 became the standard bayonet for the k98k rifle used during WWII. This example has been fit with a WWII Scabbard, and looks very much to have seen service for decades.

This example has a very nice set of original wood grips, with a very nice hilt which retains the original blued finish quite well, and also looks to have an imperial proof on the lock side. The bayonet lock itself is fully functional, and the flash guard is still correctly installed on the back of the grip.

The blade looks to have seen a good amount of cleaning over the years, possibly at arsenal, which has made the markings faint. As best we can it reads as follows (center line is completely worn away):-

F. KOELLER & Co.
[OHLIGS]
SOLINGEN

This indicates manufacture by F. Koeller & Co., Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware factory), located in the Ohligs district of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Founded in 1855 and registered with Solingen Authorities in 1906, this company made cutlery, desk sets, and razor blades under a large number of different trademarked brand names. They made S.84/98 bayonets during 1915-1917 and switched to S.98/05 production 1917-1918. The company survived the war, and eventually went defunct in the 2000s. For more information on this maker please see J Anthony Carter's excellent work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

There is an inspector mark on the spine of the blade, but no Imperial proof, so this bayonet was most likely used by one of the more independent States of the German Empire. The blade is in very good condition considering the age, and the sawback is still quite sharp. We can see that the main edge was sharpened, so this was a bayonet that saw some real use during its long time in service.

The bayonet is held in the standard all steel scabbard, as used in WWII. It is in good shape, showing some large dents on the obverse, and overall wear to the finish. It is marked with serial number 3984 / d, and the back is stamped faintly with 43 asw, for 1943 manufacture by the well-known maker E. & F. Hörster & Co. Gmbh of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany.

All in all an lovely example of a commercial example of the very rare M1884/94 II Sawback Bayonet of WWI, in good shape with a WWII scabbard and a fantastic patina. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 9 7/8”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller & Sawback
Overall length: 15”
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard length: 10 3/4"