WW1 Mauser Bayonet type M1898/05 New Pattern Cutaway Sawback

The Bayonet M1898/05 should succeed the M1898 long bayonet. It had a much stronger design but was still very long. In the beginning of the Great War it came with high ears and without flash-guard.

The M1898 New Pattern (n.A.) was missing the ‘ears’ and is characterised by the addition of a thin sheet of steel as muzzle fire protection on top of the grip.

This was introduced in 1915.

The Bayonet M1898/05 with a saw-back was used by pioneers and machine gunner crews among others. It was suitable for cutting brushes. The sawback was a favoured tool among German Military units. However when used as a bayonet plunged into an enemy it caused horrible injuries!

Our example comes with its steel scabbard.

The sawback soon became very unpopular on both sides of the frontline. The French and British soldier killed the German soldiers on the spot if not tortured, when they captured Germans carrying such bayonets.

For this reason a German order was issued in 1917, that all sawback bayonets have their sawbacks removed.

The edge is marked the imperial proof mark.

The ricasso is stamped ‘H. MUNDLOS & Co, MAGDEBURG’.

The pommel also bears the Kaiser’s mark

Its steel scabbard also bears the factory mark (quite unusual) – please see the pictures.

~ Condition ~

The blade is excellent with minimal signs of age.

The wooden grip has the expected signs of use.

The scabbard has some minor dents.

JAQAA0XADCXZNL