*Imperial German, WWI, 1916-Dated M1898/05 n.A. “Butcher” Bayonet & Scabbard for Mauser Gew.98, by F.W. Holler, Solingen, Regimental Markings*
Imperial German World War I Seitengewehr 98/05 n.A. (neuer Art) sword bayonet, commonly known as the “Butcher” bayonet, for the Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle. This is the second pattern, correctly fitted with the steel flash guard (Flammenblech) and lacking the earlier high muzzle ears of the first (a.A.) type.
The broad, cleaver-profile blade retains its short fuller and heavy spine, characteristic of the strengthened wartime design. The ricasso is crisply stamped “F.W. HÖLLER / SOLINGEN”, confirming manufacture by F.W. Holler. The blade spine bears the crowned W 16 acceptance mark of Wilhelm II, indicating official inspection and acceptance in 1916.
Hilt with ribbed wooden grip scales secured by two steel rivets, steel flash guard intact, and correct hooked quillon. The bayonet is accompanied by its original steel scabbard with frog stud, showing period wear consistent with service use.
- Ricasso: F.W. HÖLLER / SOLINGEN
- Blade spine: Crowned W 16 (Imperial acceptance, 1916)
- Crossguard: Unit marking 3. / 199. (interpreted as 3rd Company, Infantry Regiment 199)
- Hilt & pommel: Imperial inspection stamps
Approx. Measurements – Blade length: 36.6 cm. Overall length: 50.1 cm.
Historical Note:
The S98/05 pattern was introduced to replace the earlier long and slender S98 “quillback” bayonet, which proved impractical under trench warfare conditions. The reinforced “butcher blade” profile offered greater durability for close combat, utility work, and bayonet fencing.
The n.A. (neuer Art) modification, introduced from late 1915, incorporated the flash guard to protect the soldier’s hand from muzzle blast and dispensed with earlier muzzle features, resulting in a stronger and more streamlined fighting bayonet. These bayonets were widely issued to infantry, machine-gun units, and pioneer troops throughout the latter half of the war.
Founded in 1866, F.W. Holler was a major Solingen producer of military edged weapons and a significant contributor to German bayonet production during WWI. Their output is well regarded for consistent quality and correct Imperial inspection standards.
The unit marking 3. / 199. on the crossguard denotes 3rd Company, Infantry Regiment 199 (Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 199) and is a correct Imperial German regimental designation. Infantry Regiment 199 was a wartime formation, raised in August 1916 as part of the German Army’s expansion following heavy losses at Verdun and on the Somme. The regiment formed part of the newly created 199th Infantry Division, activated on 21 August 1916. Given the 1916 acceptance date on this bayonet, it was likely issued shortly after manufacture during the regiment’s initial equipping phase. The 199th Division was deployed to the Western Front soon after formation and saw combat in the later stages of the Battle of the Somme in October 1916. Allied intelligence later classified the division as a second-class formation, though it remained in front-line service for the duration of the war. Although official regulations ordered the cessation of unit marking in 1914, the practice continued in many newly raised regiments for internal inventory control. As a result, a 1916-dated S98/05 n.A. with a clear regimental marking is less common than earlier examples and provides a more specific wartime attribution.
*Condition*
Blade shows honest service wear with scattered light pitting and age staining, particularly within the fuller, consistent with field use. Edge remains intact. Ricasso and spine markings remain legible despite wear. Hilt components are tight, flash guard present and correctly fitted. Wooden grips show age, as photographed. Scabbard retains its correct form with surface wear and oxidation. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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