This is a 1915 dated 1898/05 ‘butcher’ bayonet with flash guard and muzzle ring and quillon removed. The old pattern bayonets were issued without flash guards but early on in the war it was found that the muzzle flash from the K98 rifle was causing the wooden grips to char or even be blown off. It was then decided to fit a steel flash guard along the top edge of the hilt. The blade carries the ‘Waffenfabrik Mauser A.G. Oberndorf A.N' stamp and the spine carries a crowned W over 15. The 14 ½ “ blade is in good condition with light age related staining. The grooved wooden slab grip are held with two pins and showing minor signs of wear. The metal scabbard has no dents and is covered in a drab olive paint which is worn in parts. See Watts & White page 123 for similar. The price includes UK delivery. BAYO 456.