SWISS MODEL 1914 ENGINEERS SAWBACK BAYONET
This is an excellent, most likely unissued example of the Rare Swiss Model 1914 Pioneer Sawback Sword bayonet, complete with a WWII style steel scabbard. This model was in use by Switzerland from 1914 until well into the 1950s, and is considered to be the very last model of bayonet from any Country to make use of a saw back blade. Based on the Vetterli Saw Back bayonet of 1878, used by both the Swiss and Italians, the steel mounted leather scabbard of the early 1914 production was soon replaced with a blued all steel scabbard. The bayonet is quite long, being 24 inches in overall length, with a 19 inch long sawback blade. These were intended for use on the 7.5 mm. Schmidt-Rubin M1911 carbine and M1931 Short Rifle (K31).
The M1914 has a swell-point blade profile, where the blade is wider at the point than at the ricasso, similar to the German "Butcher" bayonet. The 1914 blade is flat one one side, with the fuller and edge being ground into the other side. Designated
Sägebajonett Mod. 1914 (Sawing Bayonet Model 1914), the M1914 was issued to select troops who would have need of the brush-clearing and sawing abilities of the design. For the most part, this included Pioneers/Combat Engineers, but also would include others such as drivers, blacksmiths, and even musicians.
This example is in simply incredible condition, with the only real "wear" being a few scuffs on the pommel. The blade has nothing but runner wear and very light staining on the factory ground surfaces, and it has a clear maker mark on the ricasso for 'Waffenbarik Neuhausen'. Comes with its leather bayonet frog which is maker marked.