WW1 German Gew98 Sawback Butchers Bayonet & Scabbard. Waffenfarik, Mauser A.G. Oberndorf a.N . Dated 1917

*1917 WW1 German Sawback Butchers Bayonet & Scabbard. Waffenfarik, Mauser A.G. Oberndorf a.N . Dated*

With its 14.5inch serrated blade, this is the infamous 'Sawback Butcher' bayonet as used by the front-line troops of the Germany Army during WW1. Contrary to popular mythology these were not intended to be fighting bayonets.

The sawback bayonet was designed for use with the 7.92 mm Gewehr 98 bolt action Mauser Rifle, being one of the main service rifles of the German Army pre and post WW1. Only a small percentage of German bayonets were made with a sawback. They were only issued to noncommissioned officers or pioneer and machine gun troops to clear vegetation and other obstructions (much as U.S. machine gun crews used the various bolo knives and machetes). Sawback blades were also carried by non-commissioned officers (NCOs) as a symbol of rank. The sawback was phased out during the war due to negative Allied propaganda. On 2 July 1917 the Bavarian War Ministry suggested they be taken out of service while noting that there was no evidence that any soldiers captured with them had ever been mistreated. On 17 August 1917, Ludendorff reported that there was widespread fear among soldiers about being captured with them, and on 15 September 1917, the Prussian War ministry ordered that any in front line use should be replaced with non sawbacks. The Bavarians following on 17 October 1917. However, sawbacks continued in use among training, garrison, and occupation units and prison guards were issued with them. Finally, on 6 January 1918, the order was given to strat removing sawbacks.

This example was made in 1917, the ricasso marked to Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf a.n, the upper spine with the cypher of King Wilhelm 11 of Wuttenberg who reigned 1888–1918 and a spine acceptance date of 17. A wood handle and swept back quillon. Standard black metal scabbard with the makers stamp on the reverse and leather belt hang.

*Condition*
The blade is in good condition with some tarnishing and pitting. Clear marks. This is a fine example of a sought after WW1 Sawback Bayonet. Blade fits very nicely into the scabbard. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

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