Bayonets of Imperial Germany 1871-1918

[NoncomRetired]

Mine was made by JH Becker Solingen and has a ser# 2496 on both the blade and the scabbard. I have a crown over a worn off W and a completely worn off date. These bayonets were made by different states and the stamp would depend where such as the state of Bavaria was a state within a state that had agreed alignment with the King of Prussia, same as Saxony and if their model 1898s were made within their state, the stamp would reflect that. Because my state stamp is worn off but since it was made in Solingen, it went to a Prussian regular unit such as a Hessian unit.

My understanding that the british put up such a fuss at the sawback model, that it was put into the Treaty of Versailles that the sawbacks were to be ground off if re-issued to their 100,000 man army allowed by the treaty. You'll still find some WWII sawbacks bayonets but these were special ordered for a presentation duty award. Like the 1889 sawback model was a rank prestigious issued sidearm, so a sawback model K98 was also as a presentation model during WWII. You'll find many model 1898s with the saw top grounded off for re-issue during the Weimar period.
BTW, britian toyed with their own idea of sawbacks.

Came across one today that was going for $175.00, no scabbard and non-sawtooth in not so great condition..

Originally Posted by skeeter4206

Ed, I am curious anout your markings on the backside of the blade. Mine has a "W" over "14" and a crowned gothic letter underneath the W over 14.

I understand that the "W" stands for the Prussian Kaiser Wilhem II. and the gothic letter just an inspection stamp. The book I have about bayonets shows a "W" OVER "06".

I am curious about at what year was the sawbacks fazed out. Mine does have the extended muzzle ring ears. I didn't get a scabbard with it so I don't know which one would have came with it.

I attached a few pics showing mine, which are poor pictures, but you can get the idea. There are signs of corrosion occurring to the blade itself. Is the a way to stop the corrosion without damaging the old look that needs to be desired on this old bayonet.

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