An excellent and particularly clean example of the iconic German Model 98/05 “Butcher” bayonet, manufactured by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen and dated 1917. This is a very attractive complete example, retaining its steel scabbard and original WWI leather bayonet frog. The overall condition is excellent, with a notably clean blade, superb wooden grips and a very good scabbard.

Blade

The blade is exceptionally clean and bright and remains in excellent condition throughout. It carries a good edge consistent with wartime sharpening, but importantly shows no signs of having been excessively or crudely sharpened in later years. The blade remains full in profile and finishes with a very good point.

One side of the ricasso carries the well-known maker marking Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie, Solingen. The spine bears the Imperial crown over W for Kaiser Wilhelm II, together with 17, denoting manufacture/acceptance in 1917. Below this can also be seen the remains of an Imperial inspection stamp.

Hilt & Grips

The two original wooden grip plates are in superb condition, with no chips or significant damage. An attractive feature is the difference in colour between the two sides, with one grip considerably darker than the other. This is consistent with long-term handling and use, where one side has absorbed considerably more oils and dirt from the hand over the years.

Both original screw bolts remain in place. The rifle retaining button is present and functions correctly. Two Imperial inspection stamps can also be seen on the upper section of the hilt.

The steel flash guard remains in excellent condition and is free from any indentations.

Scabbard

The steel scabbard is also in excellent condition and remains straight and free from dents or notable damage. The throat screw is still present, and an Imperial inspection stamp can be seen at the throat. A further inspection stamp is present on the lower ball of the scabbard.

The bayonet fits its scabbard extremely well, giving a close, snug fit and a positive snap when fully seated.

Frog

The bayonet is accompanied by an original WWI-period German leather frog. It should be noted, however, that I believe the black leather front section has been replaced at some point during its life. The front leather shows noticeably less age and wear than the surviving brown leather to the rear and does not appear to correspond with it in condition. In addition, the two lower securing rivets are now absent, which may indicate that the original front section was removed. It is quite possible that the original leather had become badly worn or split, as is commonly encountered on these frogs, and was subsequently replaced with the present black leather section. For these reasons, although the main body of the frog appears period, I do not believe the black front section is original to it.

Overall

A superbly clean and very attractive 1917 German 98/05 butcher bayonet. The combination of the exceptionally clean blade, excellent original wooden grips, straight steel scabbard and original WWI leather frog makes this a particularly appealing example.

Although standard 98/05 butcher bayonets are not exceptionally rare, finding examples in this clean, complete and well-preserved condition is considerably more difficult.

Historical Note

The Model 98/05 is one of the most recognisable German bayonets of the First World War and became known to collectors as the “Butcher” bayonet because of its distinctive broad, heavy blade.

The 98/05 was produced in both plain-backed and sawback configurations. The sawback version, originally intended primarily for troops who might require a saw as a field tool, has become the scarcer and particularly sought-after variation. During the war, Allied propaganda famously portrayed the sawback as a deliberately brutal weapon, contributing greatly to the fearsome reputation that continues to surround the German “Butcher” bayonet today.

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