Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice 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 a/A (alter Art = old model). These early pattern bayonets were made with a vestigial muzzle ring, known as "high horns", and did not have a flashguard on the back of the grip. Almost all examples of the a/A would later have the "horns" ground away, so it is very rare to find an intact example such as this!

This example has a very desirable "sawback" blade, which was intended for use by pioneers to saw through brush and obstacles. Unfortunately a rumor got out that it was intended to inflict grievous harm on enemies, so a lot of the sawback bayonets had this feature removed, making them hard to find. This example has a blade in very good condition. There is little staining or rust, just overall wear from cleaning. It does not appear to have been sharpened much, and the sawback itself is in excellent condition.

The pommel has a nice set of original grooved wood grips, though they are somewhat
dark in color due to staining, and the hilt has some surface oxidation due to age. The bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is maker marked:

ALEX. COPPEL
SOLINGEN

This denotes manufacture by Alexander Coppel & Co. located in the legendary "City of Blades", Solingen. This company manufactured bayonets for many years and up through WWII under the name Alcoso. Sadly, as the Coppel family was Jewish, they saw their company stolen from them and "Aryanized" during WWII by the NSDAP. For more information on this maker please see J Anthony Carter's excellent work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

The blade is dated on the blade's spine 13 under a proof mark of a Crown over O, for King Otto of Bavaria, and indicating the date it was accepted into service, 1913. Otto was technically the King from 1912-1913, however he was deemed unfit for rule, so his uncle and later cousin Ludwig ruled in his stead. There is also an inspector proof under the date marking. It is very rare to find an Otto marked example. 

The blade is in great condition, though it does have some staining and wear, but has not been sharpened, making this a great untouched example. Please consult the pictures for condition details.

The steel scabbard is in fantastic shape with a lovely patina.

A fine example of what is becoming a difficult bayonet to find in such fine condition, never messed with, just the way we like to find them, ready to display.

Dimensions:
Blade length: 14 1/2”
Blade Style: Single Edged "Butcher" with Fuller & Sawback
Overall length: 19 3/4”
Crossguard: 2 3/4”
Scabbard length: 15 1/4"