Imperial Germany, WW2, M1898/05 n/A Sawback Bayonet by Mauser Oberndorf, Dated 1917, with Original Scabbard & Frog

*Imperial Germany, WW2, M1898/05 n/A Sawback Bayonet by Mauser Oberndorf, Dated 1917, with Original Scabbard & Frog*

A fine example of the German M1898/05 sword bayonet, the so-called "Butcher’s Bayonet" (Seitengewehr 98/05), this being the rarer sawback variant (Sägerücken). The blade spine is cut with 29 sharp sawteeth, intended for pioneer and engineering use. The ricasso is clearly stamped “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER A.G. OBERNDORF a/N”, and the spine carries the crowned “W 17” imperial acceptance stamp, denoting Kaiser Wilhelm II and the year of manufacture, 1917. Further proof marks are visible on the pommel. This is the new pattern (n/A) version, introduced in 1915, which removed the earlier muzzle ring “ears” and incorporated a steel flashguard. The bayonet retains its original wooden grips and push-button catch.

It is housed in its original steel scabbard with frog stud and complete with its brown leather belt frog (Carter classification #267), designed for carrying the M1898/05 bayonet.

Overall length: 50 cm. Blade length: 36.8 cm

Historical Note:
The M1898/05 bayonet was designed for use with the Gewehr 98 rifle, the standard German service rifle of the First World War. The sawback version was officially issued to pioneer troops and engineers, who required a tool suitable for cutting wood and other materials in the field.

However, these bayonets acquired a fearsome reputation, as Allied propaganda denounced the sawback as a “barbarous” weapon. By 1917, many sawbacks were ground down on official orders to avoid reprisals if soldiers were captured carrying them, making unaltered examples highly collectible today.

*Condition*
This bayonet remains in solid, original condition. The blade retains its sawteeth with some surface wear and age-related patina. Clear maker and inspection marks remain legible. The hilt shows honest field wear with some rusting to the pommel and crossguard, but the grips are intact with visible machining grooves. The scabbard shows age patination and minor pitting but is complete with functional frog stud. The leather frog is present, showing wear and dryness commensurate with age but remains intact — a desirable survival in itself. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

RQMCOOXDIO_5164212341