Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the rare Extraseitengewehr M1898 Dress Bayonet, complete with a scabbard and broken leather frog. 

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. This example is the short version, with a 7 ⅞” blade.

This example has a very nice set of original checkered bakelite grips, held in place by two steel rivets with only heavy wear and no cracking we can see. We usually see these with wood 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 blade, but the pommel and crossguard have dark black paint which is wearing away.

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 good order with some past oxidation having been cleaned. The blade is still quite sharp. The steel scabbard has a fair patinated appearance, and is still solid, with some dents and heavy loss to the black paint. The leather frog is in broken condition with the frog button now broken through the leather. There is very heavy crazing and cracking in the leather across, and there is a securing strap, so this looks to be a WWII frog.

All in all a nice example of the very rare dress Short Model 1898 Bayonet of WWI, in good shape with the correct scabbard. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 7 7/8”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller & Sawback
Overall length: 12 3/4”
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard length: 10 3/4"