Description
Very rare un-modified early first pattern German S98/05 “Butchers’ Blade” bayonet with saw teeth. This all-original S98/05 was made in 1908. The bayonet has saw teeth, “high ears” and no flash guard and is in its original first pattern leather scabbard. The single-edged blade has a wide, single fuller below 29 pairs of saw teeth. The blade which is 26mm wide at the ricasso flares to a width of 33mm before tapering to a spear point earning it its nickname the “Butchers’ Blade” because of its similarity to such knives. The blade is marked on the ricasso with the mark of the Prussian Royal Arsenal, a crown and the arsenal name. “Erfurt.” The spine carries the Royal Cypher of Kaiser Wilhelm II of Prussia above the date stamp “08” (1908) and a crowned acceptance/inspection stamp. The blade is in very good condition with only speckled age related tarnish. This is an extremely hard to find bayonet, one in such condition and regiment marked is highly collectible!
