A solid and honest example of a World War I German S98/05 “butcher” bayonet, dated 1916, showing the removal of the sawback. This is a good, collector-grade piece with clear markings and a consistent overall appearance, reflecting both its wartime use and modification. Sawback blades became controversial during the First World War due to their perceived brutality, and were often ground down during wartime service.

Blade
The blade is super clean and bright, and free from any damage or rust. The blade has been sharpened, but very neatly done, and displays a well defined tip. The rear ricasso is marked Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf a/N, which is nicely stamped and easily readable. On the spine of the blade we have the usual marking’s, a crown with a “W” underneath, the number “16” referring to the date “1916”, and an inspection stamp.

Hilt & Grips
The bayonet is fitted with its original wooden grips, with an attractive light tone in colour, and overall in good condition. There is some minor chipping to one side, but nothing excessive.
The grips are secured with their original two screw bolts, with the rifle retaining button functioning as it should, and an inspection stamp visible above. This model as a flash guard fitted, showing some very minor small indentations.

Scabbard
The scabbard is in excellent condition, that remains straight and structurally sound. There is the smallest faint indentation to the rear — subtle enough to be difficult to see, but just about detectable by hand. The original scabbard throat screw is present, with the rear of the scabbard being maker marked Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf, giving a matching maker to the blade.

Overall
A very nice example of the S98/05 butcher bayonet. It displays well, with clear maker markings, and a matching scabbard. A great example that would sit well in a World War I edged weapons collection.

Historical Note
The German S98/05 “butcher” bayonet was widely issued during World War I. Early production examples featured a sawback spine intended for utility use.

During the war, many of these sawbacks were removed, largely due to the controversy surrounding their use in combat and the reaction they provoked among opposing forces. As a result, surviving examples often show this modification.

Only a small proportion of these bayonets were originally produced with sawbacks, making any example — even one that has been altered — an important part of the wider story of German edged weapons in the First World War.