A very decent original example of the iconic German WWI 9805 sawback bayonet, manufactured by Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf a/N and dated 1915. These Imperial German sawbacks remain some of the most desirable and recognisable bayonets of the First World War, particularly when found in honest, untouched condition with matching maker details to both the bayonet and scabbard.

This example is not mint, but it is a solid, collector piece with excellent grips, a clean blade, sharp saw teeth, and a nicely matched scabbard showing the same age tone throughout.

Blade

The blade remains very clean overall and presents far better than most surviving examples encountered today. The sawback teeth remain excellent and sharply defined. The blade has received a period sharpening, though importantly it has not been heavily overground or excessively sharpened, and it still retains a good, defined tip.

There is some staining and very light scattered pitting in places, consistent with age and service use, but overall the blade remains very respectable and displays extremely well.

The ricasso is marked Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf a/N.
To the spine, the blade carries the Imperial crowned W inspection mark for Kaiser Wilhelm II, along with the date 15 for 1915 production, together with an additional inspection stamp beneath.

Hilt & Grips

The wooden grip plates are in excellent condition with a deep, rich aged tone and no damage noted. Both original screw bolts remain in place.

The rifle retaining button functions correctly as it should. Above the button is a single Imperial inspection stamp.

The metal fittings retain an attractive untouched age tone which matches very well with the scabbard, further supporting that the two pieces have remained together from the beginning.

Scabbard

The steel scabbard shows age and wear, but overall remains in decent condition.

Interestingly, the rear of the scabbard is also stamped with the same Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf a/N maker marking, visible in small lettering. Please see the close-up photographs for detail. It is always desirable to find matching maker details between blade and scabbard.

The scabbard shows a few light indentations, mainly to the reverse, with one indentation to the front. These are relatively minor and do not detract from the overall appearance.

The bayonet fits the scabbard superbly with a snug fit.

Overall

A very decent and honest Imperial German WWI sawback bayonet with strong visual appeal, excellent grips, sharp teeth, clean markings, and a nicely matched scabbard. These are becoming increasingly difficult to source in complete and untouched condition, particularly quality examples retaining strong sawback profiles and matching characteristics throughout.

Historical Note

The German 9805 sawback bayonet became one of the most feared edged weapons of the First World War. Originally intended for pioneer and engineer troops, the serrated spine was designed as a practical tool for cutting wood and battlefield materials rather than purely as a weapon.

Relatively few were produced compared to standard German bayonets, making original sawback examples highly sought after today.

During WWI, Allied propaganda heavily criticised sawback bayonets, claiming the wounds they inflicted were particularly brutal. Due to this pressure, many German soldiers were ordered to remove or grind down the sawback teeth in the field to avoid harsh treatment if captured. This has resulted in untouched original examples becoming increasingly scarce today.

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