Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the rare Kurzes Seitengewehr (Short Sidearm) M1898 Sawback Dress Bayonet, complete with a WWII “Combat Scabbard” and Leather Frog by Carl Busse and dated 1940.

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 set of original checkered bakelite grips, held in place by three steel rivets with only 1 minor crack by the top rivet. We usually see these with leather grips, but WWI was during the time when Bakelite was first being popularized, so it was also sometimes used. The bird's head pommel is in good shape, with a lovely oxidized patina, and the bayonet lock is fully functional. Much of the original nickel plating is present on the pommel and crossguard, however little to none remain on the blade and does not appear to have been plated.

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 very good condition, with only a bit of staining on the blade, and the
original "sawback" is still quite sharp. The steel scabbard has a lovely patinated appearance, and is still solid, with some small dents and flaking to the blackpaint. The leather frog is in solid condition but does have cracking and crazing present in the finish.

All in all a nice example of the very rare dress Short Model 1898 Sawback Bayonet of WWI, in good shape with the correct scabbard. 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"