Rare double maker marked German WW1 S98/05 m.S. Saw-back “Butcher’s Blade” Bayonet. The saw back version of the S98/05 bayonet was known as the S98/05 m.S. (mit Säge - with saw). Only 6% of S98/05 bayonets were made with the saw back. This S98/05 m.S was made in 1917, and would have been one of the last produced.
Adverse allied propaganda led to the mistreatment of German soldiers captured with a saw-back blade so in 1917 the decision was made to cease production of the saw-back version of the S98/05 and to grind off the saw from those already issued, or to recall and re-issue them to non-front-line troops.
This bayonet has two makers marks, Rich(ard) A. Herder of Solingen and H. Mundlos & Co., of Magdeburg, and is marked accordingly on each ricasso. Bayonets with twin makers are much harder to find than those made and completed by a single manufacturer.
The 367mm blade is in very good condition with no rust and minimal speckles of tarnishing. The blade was service sharpened and has some tiny edge nicks. The 29 pairs of saw teeth remain very sharp. The ricassos are marked by the twin makers. The spine bears the worn date stamp “17” and a crown over the letter “W” (Kaiser Wilhelm) and an inspection stamp.
The wooden grip scales are in good condition. Being of 1917 production, the hilt has a steel flash guard and shortened “ears.” The pommel is stamped with an inspection mark and the press-stud locking mechanism works perfectly.
The bayonet is complete with its steel scabbard. The scabbard is in very good condition and retains its original black finish. The top of the scabbard is stamped with the makers’ details, Waffenfabrik Mauser. AG. Oberndorf. A.N. The bayonet draws and sheathes smoothly and is held firmly within the scabbard.
This is a great example of a rare German WW1 saw backed bayonet, made even rarer by having two makers.
