Original German WWI WWII Reich’s Ministry of Aviation Marked M1898/05 n/A Butcher Bayonet with Scabbard

Original Item. Only One Available. This is a nice WWI 98/05 Bayonet with post-war markings for the Reichsluftfahrtministerium, the German WWII Ministry of Aviation, which was in charge of development and production of all aircraft developed, designed, and built in Germany during the existence of the Third Reich, overseeing all matters concerning both military and civilian designs – it handled military aviation matters as its top priority, particularly for the Luftwaffe.

The bayonet blade retains most of its postwar-applied factory darkening, and has a nice set of original grooved wood grips, with heavy denting and some material loss on one side. The hilt and crossguard are solid, though the finish is worn to a grayish patina from use and age. The bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is now un-marked on both sides as the blade was resurfaced. There is a small bit of marking on one side, but there is no maker mark and no date or stamp on the spine.

The blade is in good condition, with a postwar applied blue finish. The steel scabbard is in good condition, with a heavily worn finish and extensive oxidation spotting to the exterior. This does not interfere with sheathing the bayonet. Postwar, the bayonet was re-issued to the Reichs Air Ministry and is marked RLM on the guard, for Reichsluftfahrtministerium.

A fine example of a WWI bayonet reissued post-war to an important department of the Third Reich. Ready for further research and 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"