Imperial German, WW1, 2nd Pattern M1898/05 n/A (Mauser Gew 98) Sword Bayonet and Scabbard, Made by Carl Eickhorn of Solingen, Dated 1917
Approximate Measurements: 36.5cm blade, 49.5cm overall
Marked on the ricasso: Carl Eickhorn, Solingen
Marked on the spine: Crown over W over 17,
This example was made in 1917 by Carl Eickhorn, Solingen. It carries the Royal Cypher of Kaiser (Emperor) Wilhelm II of Prussia, who reigned 1888–1918. Wilhelm II was the “Kaiser Wilhelm” of First World War fame.
Sword bayonet designed for use with the 8 mm Mauser Gewehr 98. This is the second pattern of the M1898/05 sword bayonet, sometimes referred to as the n/A (neuer Art = newer model). Notably, the second pattern omitted the vestigial muzzle ring (or ‘ears’) present in the first pattern, and instead featured a flashguard to prevent burning.
Introduced to address the shortcomings of its predecessor, the M1898, which had a tendency for blade breakage due to its long, slender design, the M1898/05 became the most widely used German bayonet during the First World War. It is often referred to as a “butcher blade” due to their resemblance to knives commonly used by butchers during that era.
*Condition*
Blade is clean with no pitting, pommel and crossbar are clean.The scabbard has some small dents due to use. Scabbard fits securely.
