A very interesting WW1 German S84/98 n.A. sawback bayonet, double maker marked to the ricasso with Gebr. Heller Marienthal on one side and the crowned Erfurt mark on the other. This example has the desirable sawback blade, wooden grips, steel flash guard, and comes complete with its steel scabbard.

There is no visible imperial date or crowned acceptance mark to the spine, which strongly suggests this to be a private purchase example rather than a standard military-inspected issue piece. The double maker marking is an interesting feature that we don’t see very often. This can be seen where one firm produced, supplied, finished, retailed, or assembled the bayonet or its components for another maker or military supplier. It certainly adds an extra point of interest for the collector.

Blade
The blade is very clean overall, with a bright finish, two fullers, and excellent sawback teeth. The teeth remain sharp and crisp, with no evidence of damage.

The blade finishes in a good sharp tip and appears to have had a period sharpening, but it has not been heavily or poorly sharpened. Overall the blade presents very well.

One side of the ricasso is marked Gebr. Heller Marienthal, while the reverse carries the crowned Erfurt maker mark.

Hilt & Grips

The original wooden grip plates show some indentations, and age-related wear to both sides, slightly heavier on one side. The original screw bolts remain in place and secure. The rifle retaining button on this bayonet is very stiff. I have not tried to force it, as we prefer to leave items as found. I am confident that with carful attention and light oil it could likely be freed if the next owner wished to do so.

Scabbard
The bayonet comes with its steel scabbard, retaining an old black painted finish. This type of black paint is often encountered on WW1 German bayonet scabbards. I cannot guarantee with absolute certainty when it was applied, but it certainly appears old and period in appearance.

The scabbard is in good condition overall, remaining undented to both sides and retaining its throat screw. The bayonet fits the scabbard very well with a good snug fit.

Overall
Overall, this is a very nice and interesting WW1 German S84/98 sawback bayonet, with a clean blade, sharp teeth, double maker markings, private purchase characteristics, and a solid undented scabbard. A strong collector’s piece with several appealing details.

A Recommended Reference

The book, German Bayonets 1898-1945 by Christian Mery, which covers these bayonets, their sawback variations, markings, and wartime context in excellent detail.

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