r/u_Both_Command_9828

I found this beast in rough condition and decided to bring it back to life. I ran it through electrolysis to remove the heavy surface rust, then cleaned it gently with dish soap and a brush. I avoided harsh abrasives to preserve any original markings and the authentic forged look. The initial rusty state is in my first reddit post called "rust" if you want to look before and after. This is yet another German bayonet I'm cleaning.

What stands out:

Long, wide "butcher blade" profile with a forged appearance and remaining pitting

Distinctive hooked/curved quillon

Very rugged, all-metal construction (grips appear to be missing or never had wooden scales in this state)

Classic WWI-era patina

This is clearly a German Seitengewehr 98/05 (S98/05) "Butcher Bayonet", the iconic wide-bladed bayonet for the Mauser Gewehr 98 rifle. Nicknamed the "Butcher Blade" by Allied soldiers because of its meat-cleaver-like shape. The hooked quillon suggests an early pattern.

I haven't found clear maker marks, date, or unit stamps yet (the ricasso and pommel are still quite crusty), but I'm hoping some of you can spot something I missed in the photos.

Questions for the experts:

Exact variant (early a.A. or n.A.)?

Any idea on manufacturer or year based on the features?

Should I continue with light conservation (oil it) or leave it as-is for the "dug" aesthetic?

Thanks in advance — super happy with how it's turning out after the cleanup! 🔥

Here is the continuation of my last post. The story of this bayonet begins before the year 1900.

"The German WW1 Butcher Blade refers to the Seitengewehr 98/05 bayonet, officially adopted in 1915 to replace the original M1898 model whose slender blade was prone to breaking.  It was designed for the Gewehr 98 rifle and featured a thick, heavy blade with a distinct bulge toward the point, resembling a butcher’s knife, which led Allied forces to coin the nickname “Butcher Blade” (Metzgerklinge).

Key characteristics and production details include:

Design Evolution: The M1898/05 (marked n.A. or neuer Art / new type) eliminated the vestigial muzzle ring of the 1898 model and added a steel flashguard on the spine of the hilt to protect the user's hand from muzzle blast.

Manufacturers: Produced by numerous contractors including Weyersberg & Kirschbaum (Solingen), Mauser (Oberndorf, often outsourced to Unionwerk Feuerbach), Simson & Co. (Suhl), and F. Schleuterman (Remscheid).

Variants: Some versions featured a sawback (serrated) edge on the spine, particularly those dated 1916 and 1917, which are considered rare and more collectible.

Usage: Issued to Imperial German troops during World War I and later used by the Reichswehr and various police departments between the wars."

On this blade, I can make out an M above a U and probably a T and/or an N nearby. I think I can try to trace its origin with these small clues.

I tried to compare two blades and try to see if the markings may look similar but the more damaged one has a larger and finer marking.

Let’s try to find his history !

Hello everyone! This time I have an English bayonet in my hands, "P-1907 N 1022," with this unusual hole above the push button. I haven't found any other markings to better identify it, given its initial condition (which I showed you in my first Reddit post, titled "rust"). If you could give me more information about its potential origins, I would be very grateful! Also, notice how bent the blade is, along with the barrel attachment ring. What do you think the original owner might have lived through?

Comparing it to its initial state in my previous post, you will notice that it is very rusty; I also cleaned it with electrolysis (my preferred technique) so as not to erase any marks (at least I hoped to find some).

Thank you ! Have a great day !