WW1 GERMAN 98/05 SAWBACK BUTCHER BAYONET.
During the First World War the German 98/05 saw back butcher bayonet was issued to Army units in limited numbers to enable them to saw wood for fuel and development of positions and trenches. They were highly prized by the soldiers who were issued with them, however, as the Allied troops discovered they made a mess of wounds when used as bayonets causing many deaths to the allied side. This resulted in allied commanders issuing orders that if any German that was captured and had a saw back bayonet he was to be executed on the spot. Many German troops ground down the saw back off the bayonet not wanting to be caught with one. They are highly collectable on the collectors market today.
Maker marked to WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER A.G OBENDORF this saw back bayonet is in good condition with a bright blade and a date stamp of 1916 to the spine.