3 Imperial Bayonets, your input is appreciated.

[artyldr01]

Good evening.

My favorite local shop has three Imperial bayonets of interest that I submit for your input. Two are, I believe 98/05s and one is an Ersatz. The two 98/05s are interesting. One is an Erfurt 1906 (maybe 08) sawback with leather / metal tipped scabbard ($235). The other is a 1916 Deutsch Maschinenfabric A.G. Duisburg FORMER sawback that has had the "teeth" removed and a metal scabbard ($145). The last is listed as an Ersatz and scabbard and looks as such ($95). Here are some photos. Any thoughts are appreciated. I'll likely get them all eventually but thoughts on collectability and correctness (especially for a 1916 MO G98) are appreciated. I am leaning towards the 1916 Duisburg.

Here are pics of it. More to follow.

Thanks!

 

[artyldr01]

Here is the sawback.

 

[artyldr01]

Lastly, the Ersatz and a, once again, blurry photo of all three. I apologize...new phone April.

 

[WaPrüf2]

If you specialize in German ignore the ersatz; it has been Turked.

 

[artyldr01]

If you specialize in German ignore the ersatz; it has been Turked.

Thanks! I just learned about "Turked" blades. That's a no go.

I actually like the modified 98/05 if the story I understand is correct, in that they started removing the sawback due to the allied Soldiers believing they were specifically designed to inflict more damage (rather than used as a Pioneer tool as I understand to be the truth) and therefore anyone caught with one might not be treated as "kindly."

 

[AndyB]

S98/05 aA from Erfurt 1906 or 1908 is old and should be unit stamped on crossguard probably, the second one is a new modell S98/05nA with removed sawback in 1917. The price is too important, both bayonets looks ok from the avialable pictures, the turked ersatz is non interesting as reworked heavily.b.r.Andy

 

[artyldr01]

S98/05 aA from Erfurt 1906 or 1908 is old and should be unit stamped on crossguard probably,

Thank you Andy. I don't recall seeing one, but i will double check. I am usually look pretty hard for unit markings but may have missed it.

 

[Spielkind]

S98/05 aA from Erfurt 1906 or 1908 is old and should be unit stamped on crossguard probably, the second one is a new modell S98/05nA with removed sawback in 1917. The price is too important, both bayonets looks ok from the avialable pictures, the turked ersatz is non interesting as reworked heavily.b.r.Andy

I would not agree to that. Some of the bayonets were held in magazins, and were given to service after August 1914. So they have no unit marks.
If you want to buy it, you have to check the scabbard, for shrinking, and if it the seam is closed. You won´t find a snugly fitting scabbard.
Then you have to check the blade and the grips. But they look ok on the pictures.
An "S98/05 alter Art mit Sägerücken" is not easy to find now. So the price is not a bargain, but not to high if you buy from a trader, imo.

I own a bavarian one, from 1908, also without unit marks.

The S 98/05 n.A. was made in very high numbers, also with sawback, and I would not pay that price.

Regards

 

[artyldr01]

Vielen Dank Spielkind!