Original Item: Only One Available. This is a good 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 n/A (neuer Art = newer model). This second pattern lacks the first pattern's vestigial muzzle ring (or 'ears') and has a flashguard on the back of the grip.

This example has a very nice set of original grooved wood grips, which are in fantastic condition overall. Bayonet lock is still fully functional. The blade ricasso still has the original maker mark, which is still clear:

(CROSSED KEYS)
FICHTEL & SACHS
SCHWEINFERT

Per J. Anthony Carter's fine work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS, the Fichtel & Sachs company was founded in 1895 by Karl Fichtel and Ernst Sachs, originally for making ball bearings and bicycle parts. They also made S.98/05 Bayonets for the Bavarian Government from 1915-1918, and during 1916-1917, many blades bore the "Crossed Keys" of Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn of Solingen. This indicates that they supplied the blade blanks for these bayonets, of which this is one example.

The blade is dated on the blade's spine 15 under a proof mark of a Crown over L, for King Ludwig III of Bavaria, and indicating the date it was accepted into service. Ludwig reigned as king from 1913 until 1918, when the Monarchy was abolished. Previously he had been the Prince Regent 1912-1913, as his cousin Otto was technically the King, however he was deemed unfit for rule, so his uncle and later cousin ruled in his stead. There is also an inspector proof under the date marking. 

The Cross Guard is marked 1920 representing that this particular bayonet was One of the 100,000 permitted to be retained by the Army of the Weimar Republic after WWI as decreed in the Treaty of Versailles. This makes this an exceptionally rare example.

The blade is in good condition, though it does appear to have been blued, most likely when it was retained for Weimar period service. Please consult the pictures for condition details.

The steel scabbard is in good condition, though it does have some chipping in the paint. Overall it has a lightly oxidized patina, with surface rust and light pitting. The original leather frog is in fair but crazed condition, with a faint maker’s mark on the back with a date of 1915.

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in any condition, just the way we like to find them with loads of patina. Ready to display!

Specifications:
Blade Length: 14 5/8"
Blade Style: Butcher with Smoothback
Overall length: 19 3/4“
Crossguard: 3”
Scabbard Length: 15 1/4"