Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the rare Kurzes Seitengewehr (Short Sidearm) M1898 Dress Bayonet, which has had the grips replaced with hand-slit wooden grips and a trench knife style scabbard for use as a trench knife. This is further supported by the large bit of shrapnel damage on both the crossguard and scabbard.

Intended for use on the Mauser GEW 98 rifle, the 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 in this size, and was not converted. The sawback version of these are very rare, and seldom seen. For more information on the variations of this type, please see Watts & White, The Bayonet Book, Pages 120-122.

This example has a very nice replaced set of wooden grips, which have had 3 slits hand-carved into each grip. The bird's head pommel, likely originally nickel-plated, is in good service-worn shape, with a lovely oxidized patina, and the bayonet lock is fully functional.

The reverse ricasso is stamped with the Carl Eickhorn "Two Squirrel" trademark over C.E., for manufacture by the legendary firm of Carl Eickhorn, located in Solingen, the "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Per J. Anthony Carter's book GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, this specific version of the mark was used on swords, "walking out" bayonets, and other similar items after 1906. This is exactly the mark that should be on a WWI Blade.

This company was founded in 1865 by Carl Eickhorn, and is arguably the most famous of all Solingen makers. Not only could the family trace their history back 500 years, but they could also demonstrate involvement in the hardening and grinding industries for the same period. Truly the nobility of Solingen Edged weapon dynasties. Eickhorn edged weapons are the most desirable of all makers.

The blade is in fair service-worn condition, with some oxidation staining and sharpening, with the very tip of the blade being a bit dull. The blade is not very tight to the hilt anymore, but this is almost certainly due to the shrapnel damage. The damage sits at the base of the quillion, and is likely what caused the crack on the opposite side, which is likely why the blade is no longer tight to the hilt. When inserting the knife into the scabbard, the damage on both line up, showing that the knife was sheathed when the damage took place. This certainly confirms its combat-usage.

The scabbard has a trench-knife style leather securing-strap, the snap of which is broken. The damage can be seen at the throat next to the strap. There is heavy oxidation on the scabbard which matches the knife.

All in all a phenomenal example of the very rare dress Short Model 1898 Bayonet of WWI, converted for combat-use with shrapnel damage, in good shape with a modified scabbard. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 6”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller & Sawback
Overall length: 10⅞”
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard length: 6¼" + Belt Loop