Original Imperial German M-1898/05 n/A Butcher Sawback Bayonet and Scabbard by Josua Corts und Sohn of Remscheid - Dated 1916
In stock
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very 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 flash guard on the back of the grip.
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 good but oxidized. There is rust staining and it is quite difficult to unsheathe the blade. It does appear to have been sharpened, and the sawback itself is in very good condition.
The pommel has a heavily worn and scratched set of original grooved wood grips, and they are somewhat dark in color due to staining. The hilt has some surface oxidation due to age. The bayonet lock is fully functional.
The blade ricasso is maker marked with a small silhouette of a figure in a doorway or shrine, over the text:
J. CORTS SOHN
REMSCHEID
Josua Corts und Sohn of Remscheid are one of the rarest makers of the 98/05 bayonets, with the sawback variations being especially sought after.
The blade is dated on the blade's spine 16 under a proof mark of a Crown over W, for Kaiser Wilhelm II, and the year the bayonet was accepted (1916). There is also an inspector proof under the date marking.
The blade is in good condition, though it does have some staining and wear, and has been sharpened, though not enough to change the blade shape. Please consult the pictures for condition details.
The steel scabbard is in fair condition and the original blued finish is partially retained with very heavy rust spotting over it. The frog button is still intact and unbent. There are some heavy dents and dings along the sides. It is a bit difficult to sheathe & unsheathe it, but this could be remedied with some oil.
A very rare maker, difficult to find in any condition. Ready to fit to your Gewehr 98 or display as is!
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"
- This product is available for international shipping.
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