Imperial German 1898/05 Butcher Block Bayonet - Rare Maker

Description

9/25/25 - This scarce example of an Imperial German 1898/05 n.A. “butcher blade” bayonet was produced by Move-Werke Walter & Co. of Muhlhausen in Thuringia, a firm that manufactured very few of these during WWI. The single-edged blade features the wide fuller, flared ricasso, and spear point profile that earned the model its nickname. This example is marked on the ricasso with the Walter & Co. details on the right side, though that marking is slightly faded from buffing, and "GERB. HARTKOPF SOLINGEN" on the left. Inspection marks crisply stamped on the pommel as well as the spine, along with the imperial crowned proof. The blade remains in excellent condition, with its original sharpened edge profile fully retained, complemented by excellent steel furniture and a fully functional press-stud. The blade itself as been lightly buffed to a gleaming mirror-like shine, though there are few small scattered spots of oxidation here and there, and some surface scratching/buffing artifacts. The metal on the cross guard, hilt, and bird’s head pommel is lightly freckled throughout. The pommel has also been buffed. The well-preserved wooden grips are mostly excellent, showing only light handling marks. The bayonet comes with its original blued steel scabbard, which is also in great shape aside from light spots of freckling here and there, and leather frog, which is also in exceptional condition, aside from some age-related wrinkling.