WW1 Imperial German S98 M1898 n/A Extra-Seitengewehr Quillback Dress Bayonet WKC?

[komet45]

I recently acquired this bayonet at an estate sale and am hoping to learn more about it's era of production and possible manufacturer.

The ricasso is stamped with what appears to be Weyersberg, Kirschbaum & Cie / WKC's "Knight's Head" hallmark. The only other markings or stamps that I can find on this bayonet are what appear to be "matching" serial numbers (125) stamped on the tang under the grips and on one of the flat sides of the pommel press stud. The WKC hallmark is very similar to the stamp found on Warrelics.eu user gerrit's dagger seen here (https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/daggers-swords-third-reich/wkc-trademark-evolution-719841/); would this style stamp indicate Pre-WW1 production? I have handled several Heer dress daggers made by WKC during the Third Reich and each had a similar "Knight's Head" stamp as well as "WKC." Does the inclusion of "WKC" in the hallmark more likely point towards Third Reich era production?

Of particular note, this example has a mortise slot with a hole cut for a cleaning rod and the tang too is cut with a slot for a rod. An example shared by Warrelics.eu user Sleepwalker in the post found here (https://www.warrelics.eu/forum/daggers-swords-third-reich/m1898-n-bayonet-494758/) shows the typical construction method involving the less than full length blade attached to the tang under the grip panels; are examples with cleaning rod slots less common?

I collect Third Reich / WW2 German edged weapons and have only owned a few 98/05s, thus leaving me quite "in the dark" on Imperial production pieces. I would greatly appreciate any information that you would be willing to take a moment to share about this blade and when it might have been produced!
Click to enlarge the picture Click to enlarge the picture

 

[grimlin13]

Not an expert on these but, I have some knowledge on them. I will be corrected by one of our inhouse experts if I give the wrong information. A good way to learn.
It is a M1898 n.A. "neu Art" which began production in 1902. It was the second model of the M98 and had a two-piece grip. The M98 a.A "alter Art" (old type) had a one-piece grip. The "serial number" (125) is an assembly number for that bayonet. I think that this M98 n.A. was used as a dress bayonet and has a chrome(?) finish. I may be wrong on that and all of them were "chromed". The makers mark is an early knights head used by WKC. WKC used several variations of makers mark, King and Knights Head together no WKC, both heads with WKC, Knights Head solo, Knights head with WKC, WKC alone, to name some variations. I think I remember seeing a Kings head solo but not sure on that one. I have a list of dates/years when each makers mark was used, somewhere (if I can find it). Here are a five of the variations.

I know the King and Knight without WKC is one of the earliest versions if not the earliest.
I bet Slash or Andy will be able to give more detail on this.

 

[grimlin13]

This post would be better in the Bayonet and Accessory section. Maybe a Mod can move it so it gets seen.

 

[komet45]

Thank you for chiming in grimlin13, very much appreciate your insights. I too was uncertain about where to post this one as it truly has one foot planted one each side of the fence!

The finish on the metal parts of the bayonet is some type of plating, possibly Chrome or Nickel, and in some areas is beginning to flake. It appears to be less resilient and with slightly less luster when compared to the plated finishes found on Third Reich era bayonets. The WKC stamp does appear to be an earlier variation, possibly placing production just before WW1?

If you were able to locate that date list and would be willing to share it here I would be very grateful, I am always trying to scrounge any information on hallmarks and stamps that I can find!

 

[Slash]

Not much to add to grimlin13's post. This is indeed a "walking out" or "dress" version of the S1898 n.A. Most properly known as an Extra-Seitengewehr. Bayonets of this type were private purchase pieces and not intended for combat usage (some examples will not even mount on a rifle). These "dress" pieces are generally bright plated as we see here. Again different than the military issued examples which were blued or finished "in the white." As Grim stated, the 125 is a "bench" or assembly number. It is in fact made by WKC using one of their early trademarks. This particular trademark stamp is known as the "No-Neck Knight" and did not include the WKC initials. This maker's mark was used for only a short period of time from approximately 1910 to 1912.

Thread moved to more appropriate subforum .......

 

[AndyB]

As mentioned on other forum, i believe this was rejected army contract , for unknown reason, reused to dress purpose by nickeling, the reason why they used a one head WKC TM is probably because of the short ricasso.

S-98 nA. by WKC | Lakesidetrader

Here's a fine example of a S-98 bayonet by WKC. This was the first bayonet authorized for the Mauser in 1898. Super long blade measures 520mm!! This is not serialized, (Imperial examples never are! ) the riccasso is nicely stamped with the Imperial side-by-side king and knight's heads over the...

www.lakesidetrader.com