Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice nickel plated example of the rare M-1884/98 Sawback Bayonet (Seitengewehr), intended for use on the Mauser GEW 98 rifle. This 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 for the GEW 98, and was not converted. The sawback version of these are very rare, and seldom seen. The third model of the M1884/98 became the standard bayonet for the k98k rifle used during WWII.

This example has a very nice set of original wood grips, with a very nice hilt which retains the nickel plating well. Bayonet lock is fully functional. The blade ricasso is maker clearly marked:

This indicates manufacture by F. Koeller & Co., Stahlwarenfabrik (Steelware factory), located in the Ohligs district of Solingen, the legendary "City of Blades" in Western Germany. Founded in 1855 and registered with Solingen Authorities in 1906, this company made cutlery, desk sets, and razor blades under a large number of different trademarked brand names. They made S.84/98 bayonets during 1915-1917 and switched to S.98/05 production 1917-1918. The company survived the war, and eventually went defunct in the 2000s. For more information on this maker please see J Anthony Carter's excellent work GERMAN KNIFE AND SWORD MAKERS.

There is an inspector mark on the spine of the blade, but no Imperial proof, so this bayonet was most likely used by one of the more independent States of the German Empire. The blade is in very good condition, though the nickel plating is starting to blister and flake in some areas. The original "sawback" is still quite sharp. We assume that it was plated for parade use, but the scabbard and frog certainly do not give that appearance. 

The steel scabbard is a 1944 dated WWII example, marked with maker code cof on the rear. It is held in a very nice brown leather frog, with fully intact stitching. We assume that this bayonet was possibly put back into service for rear line troops during WWII.

All in all a nice nickel plated example of the very rare M1884/94 II Sawback Bayonet of WWI, in good shape with a WWII scabbard and frog. Ready to display!

Dimensions:
Blade length: 9 7/8”
Blade Style: Single Edged with Fuller
Overall length: 15”
Crossguard: 1 1/2”
Scabbard length: 10 3/4"