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WWI German Bayonet

The Tinman
I have what has been identified as an S98/05 "Butcher Blade Bayonet." It fits the German Mauser Model KAR98A. It has the scabbard and frog. The bayonet was manufactured by Weyersberg Kirschbaum and is marked "Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie Solingen" on one side of the blade. It has the military proof mark of Kaiser Wilhelm (W under a crown), with the number 15 stamped under the proof mark. It also has the WKC "Knight's Head" logo stamped just under the military proof mark, so I believe this to be an authentic, WW1 German Bayonet, manufactured in 1915. It has a scabbard and a leather frog, but both scabbard and frog look too good to be authentic, so I can't vouch for those two pieces. I believe the scabbard and frog to be modern, though they appear to be correct in specification. I found a picture of the bayonet on the NET, you can see it at http://www.bayo-hunter.com/mycollect/German2.jpg
The wood on the grip is in very fine shape, with no cracks or chips. The blade is not sharp, and it has two small nicks on it, but has the proper patina for a blade of this age. There is no rust at all. The spring-lock functions and is strong and smooth, and does not bind. This bayonet would look beautiful mounted on a clean Mauser Model 98.
Is there a market for WW1 bayonets here on Gunbroker, or should I try to sell it on eBay?
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Comments

3 comments

Date Votes
  • p3skyking
    Sounds as if you've done your homework on the bayo. It will also fit the Gew 98 as well as the Kar 98AZ.

    You are correct about the year of manufacture and there may or may not be a flash shield on the top of the handle. This was added to protect the wood from the muzzle blast of the Kar 98AZ. It's important to note in your description whether the shield is there.

    There is a market for WWI stuff on either site.


    wings2.gif
    Stolen from, and with thanks, to Kiwibird
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  • zipperzap
    1114689629141_1114569602129_jed.gif
    I have one of those. Interesting sidelight comment;
    My grandfather was 'over there' in 1918 brought it
    back and gave it to me when I was about 10 (1955)
    A friend of mine bought one around 196o/61 from
    a mail order place - it had the 'sawtooth edge' blade.

    Gramps eyed it and immediately frowned, squinted his
    eyes the second he laid eyes upon it! He said that during
    the trench hand to hand fighting with the Germans they
    made a special effort (everyone did - Yanks, French and
    Brits) to immediately kill the owners of them! Even those
    who were captured (and found with them) were summarily
    led away to a quiet secluded place and 'dispatched'
    (his word)! The saw toothed edge made a horrible
    wound and often the blade had to be twisted and
    'levered unmercifully' (his phrase) to get it out. It
    wasn't long before the Germans started catching
    on and began throwing them away! He said that
    if there was any question of capture the ground
    would be littered with them!

    Just thought I'd add my grampa's 2? worth!

    Oh, yes, and that scabbard IS THE CORRECT one
    for that bayonet! My grandfather's and my friend's
    were exactly the same.

    ... and the weightier pointed end was designed that way
    so that it could be used as a Roman short sword was in
    close quarters fighting - in the trenches - as a 'slashing'
    blade in the hand - on the 'power downstroke!'
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  • MAD DAWG
    ZIPPERZAP
    Your grandfather wasn't pulling your leg either. My father was there. Anyone found in possesion of a 'sawtooth' bayonet was forthwith changed from POW to KIA status.

    Best............!
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