German WWI S98/05 Sawback Removed, "High Ears" Bavarian Marked Bayonet
This item is listed for historical interest only. It was listed on our site previously but has been sold and is no longer available for purchase.
Sold for: $225.00

Original period manufacture. "High Ear" pattern bayonet made without a flashguard, Bavarian proofs on the blade spine with an issue date of 13. The blade is clean and maker marked by Alexander Coppel. Nice wood grips, with an attractive steel patina to the guard and pommel. Very sound black leather bodied scabbard with a metal throat and tip. Light pitting can be seen on the metal fittings but no active rust remains. Bavarian unit marks on the reverse of the throat. The removal of the sawback spine by the German military during WWI is an interesting story in itself. It seems that German soldiers captured by the Allies with sawback equipped bayonets did not tend to fare too well with their captors, often being beaten, or worse. The sawback issued bayonets were viewed as a terror weapon by the British Tommy or French Poilu, instead of for their utilitarian intended purpose.