This is not a condition piece, but it is a characterful and untouched World War I German sawback bayonet by E&F Hörster Solingen, complete with its original frog.

This is a genuine “sleeper” example, clearly stored away for decades, likely in a loft or garage environment. What stands out is the contrast between the external condition and the blade itself. Whilst the exterior shows age and storage wear, the blade remains bright and well-preserved, making this an interesting piece.

Blade

The blade remains bright, clean, and unsharpened, which is increasingly hard to find on WWI sawback bayonets. The edge shows no signs of post-service sharpening, and the sawback teeth remain sharp and well-defined.

It retains a strong, well-formed tip, with only light age-related marks consistent with long-term storage rather than use.

The ricasso is maker-marked on both sides:

• One side bearing the E&F Hörster logo
• The reverse stamped E&F Hörster Solingen (faint but visible)

No inspection stamps are present, suggesting this to be a private purchase example.

Hilt & Grips

The wooden grips show clear signs of age and environmental exposure, with a visible split to one side, likely caused by long-term storage conditions and temperature changes.

The original two screw bolts are present in the grips, showing age consistent with the rest of the piece. The metal parts do show a layer of rust where the bayonet has been sitting for many decades.

The rifle retaining button is fully functional.

Scabbard

The scabbard’s wear and age, matches the hilt in both tone and condition. It shows no dents or structural damage, only surface ageing from storage. The throat screw remains present. The blade fits the scabbard snugly and correctly.

Frog

The original frog remains fitted and appears to have never been removed from the scabbard. The rivets and fittings show consistent ageing in line with the rest of the piece.

The leather is extremely dry and rigid, almost board-like, again supporting long-term storage. All stitching remains intact.

The frog retains its metal hanging fixture at the top, suggesting it may have been stored hanging on a wall or nail for many years. Wear to the reverse supports this.

Overall

This is an honest, untouched example that shows clear signs of long-term storage. Whilst not a condition piece, it has real character, and the contrast between the aged exterior and the bright, unsharpened blade makes it a particularly interesting example.

Historical Note

Sawback bayonets were issued primarily to specialist troops such as pioneers during the First World War. Their serrated backs made them effective for cutting wood and other materials in the field. Many sawback bayonets were later altered or had their teeth removed, making complete examples increasingly desirable today.

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