1916 Sawback Bayonet

[whatthecrunchyo]

Can I get some opinions on this bayonet? It's cool but I am in the dark on the WWI stuff. IMO, it is re-blued. Any idea what these sell for?

[whatthecrunchyo]

more

[whatthecrunchyo]

a few more

[whatthecrunchyo]

The shiny on the blade is from gun oil. I put it on there so that it slips in and out of the scabbard no problem.

[morel5000]

Hi,

Looks nice. Why do you think it is reblued?

Is it dated on the blade near the sawback?

Best regards,
Michel

[Milton]

Nice bayonet. It should be post-1915 as it has low "ears" and a flash-guard. Probably dated 1916-18. Doesn't appear to be blued (at least the blade still looks bright, which is as-issued). To the best of my knowledge, saw-backs were never re-issued post war, (due to the Geneva restrictions), and all that remained in military stores would've had their saw-teeth removed (ground off) post war during the Weimar period prior to being reissued. Those that were still in military storage post 1918 would've been likely inventoried and would have the year "1920" stamped on the guard, however I've personally never run across a saw-back w/ reissue or 1920 inventory markings (at least in my experience). Yours appears to be in the original finish, at least from what I can discern via the photos.

[whatthecrunchyo]

Gents, thank you for the help. I forgot the important marks on the blade. I am at work right now but will get a picture when I can. If I remember correctly it says "16" with a crown.

As for the blade, it does have bluing on it but it is not as deeply colored as the rest (hilt, scabbard). To make it perfectly clear though, it is not unblued. Is that correct?

[whatthecrunchyo]

The reason I thought it was reblued is because 1. the bayonet release button doesn't depress (maybe indicating some bad rust at one point) and 2. inside the bayonet where the bayonet lug fits in, there is some surface rust. Regardless, I'd say it looks pretty good from your comments. Either way, it doesn't seem that the bayonet has lost much value if it has or has not been reblued. Would you agree?

How much do these bayonets normally go for?

[gregM]

I may be wrong but I think all of the Butcher blade bayonets should
have bright blades. I have a saw tooth and a standard and both
have bright blades--(not blued)

[ROBB]

Looks fine to me . Rob

[Mac 66]

I like this sawback

probably just a good patina build up we are seeing


Cheers Mac 66.

[whatthecrunchyo]

Here is a picture of the blade markings.

[Milton]

From the close up of the blade spine, it doesn't look blued from here...With that being said, it should be BRIGHT (no blue) unless someone tried to "spruce" it up w/some cold blue in a poor application. As for the release button, try freeing it up w/ some penetrating oil and tapping it w/a rubber mallet or wood (so as not to damage it) and perhaps it'll break free, as I'd imagine it's just frozen up from disuse. Good luck!

[whatthecrunchyo]

Thanks for the advice!

[Steve Campbell]

I have two, a sawback and a standard blade. Neither appears to be blued. I think there may be some variations in price due to various makers, but I think sawbacks bring about $150-$200. They make a great conversation piece in a collection.