A superb, honest example of the iconic World War I German 98/05 “Butcher” Bayonet, complete with its original leather frog. Dated 1916 and manufactured by P.D. Lüneschloss Solingen, this is an exceptionally clean example that displays beautifully. The bayonet retains a large amount of original finish throughout, including an unusually well-preserved blued scabbard, making it a very desirable collector’s piece.

Blade

The blade is in excellent condition, remaining bright and clean with no severe sharpening or damage to the cutting edge. It retains a well-defined profile and finishes in a sharp point.

The ricasso is crisply marked P.D. Lüneschloss Solingen, one of Solingen’s long-established edged weapon manufacturers, founded in the early 19th century. The company became a major supplier of German military bayonets during the First World War, producing large numbers of the famous 98/05 pattern for Imperial German forces.

The spine carries deeply struck Imperial acceptance markings, consisting of the Crown over W for Kaiser Wilhelm II, together with the 1916 date and an additional Imperial inspection stamp beneath. These markings are particularly clear and well defined, something not always encountered on wartime examples.

Hilt & Grips

The original wooden grip plates are exceptionally attractive, displaying a pleasing light colour with sharply defined grooves throughout. They remain free from cracks or chips, showing only minimal service wear.

As a 1916 example, this bayonet features the later low-ears crossguard together with the steel flash guard designed to protect the wooden grips from muzzle flash when fitted to the Gewehr 98 rifle. The flash guard shows only a few light indentations from service.

The rifle retaining button functions correctly.

Imperial inspection stamps can be found across the hilt, including two on the pommel, one on the retaining button, inspection stamps on both original grip screws, and a further stamp beneath the crossguard, all adding to the originality of the piece.

Scabbard

The steel scabbard remains straight with no dents or significant damage.

A particularly attractive feature of this example is the amount of original factory bluing still present, something that is becoming increasingly difficult to find on bayonets that are now well over one hundred years old.

Inspection stamps remain visible on the lower scabbard, the throat, and the frog stud (lug), while the original throat screw is still present.

Frog

The bayonet is complete with its original World War I leather frog.

The leather remains supple and structurally sound, retaining all four original rivets. The majority of the original stitching remains intact, although there is an area to one side where the stitching has separated (please refer to the photographs). Despite this, the frog remains strong and perfectly suitable for display.

The bayonet fits the scabbard correctly, locking firmly into place with the positive snap collectors like to see.

Overall

A superb 1916 example of the famous German 98/05 “Butcher” Bayonet by P.D. Lüneschloss Solingen. Featuring an excellent blade, crisp Imperial inspection markings throughout, a well-preserved blued scabbard, and its original wartime leather frog, this is an honest and highly displayable First World War example that would make an excellent addition to any Imperial German edged weapons collection.

Historical Note

Officially designated the Seitengewehr 98/05, this pattern became one of the principal bayonets issued to the Imperial German Army during the First World War. Its broad, heavy blade earned it the collector’s nickname “Butcher Bayonet”, although this was never an official military designation. Introduced before the war and refined into the later low-ears pattern seen here, it was designed for use with the Gewehr 98 rifle and saw extensive service on every major front of the conflict. Today, original examples retaining clear Imperial inspection marks, strong original finish, and matching wartime accessories are increasingly sought after by collectors.

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