I trust I'm posting this in the proper location....
This is an early "Sawback" Model 98/05 bayonet used by engineers. It retains the high "ears" and is unmodified/retrofitted as indicated by the lack of a metal flashguard on the top of the handle. It was made in 1908 and is marked to the 26th Pioneer Batallion of the XX Corps which served at Tannenberg. At that battle the XXth Corps at first fought a delaying action by itself against Russian Gereral Samsonov's 2nd Russian Army in August, 1914. When the bulk of the German 8th Army swung south to engage Samsonov after the Battle of Gumbinnen, the XX Corps served at the German Army's center. On August 28th the 3rd Company of the 26th Pioneers made an heroic, but sacrificial, attack over a bridge which was exposed to heavy Russian fire at the town of Waplitz in an attempt to the reinforce a stranded detachment of the 59th IR in the town. They were nearly wiped out. This bayonet is from the 26th's 1st company. Otherwise it would now probably be somewhere in Russia. But this bayonet was at Tanneberg and that's enough for me. If anyone knows where I might find a proper leather scabbard for the bayonet, please advise.
Download Attachment:
98-05 Sawback - 26th Pioneers.gif
227.23 KB
Download Attachment: 98-05 Sawback - 26th Pioneers - D - spine.gif
229.2 KB
Download Attachment: 98-05 Sawback - 26th Pioneers - D - unit mark.gif
202.54 KB
This is an early "Sawback" Model 98/05 bayonet used by engineers. It retains the high "ears" and is unmodified/retrofitted as indicated by the lack of a metal flashguard on the top of the handle. It was made in 1908 and is marked to the 26th Pioneer Batallion of the XX Corps which served at Tannenberg. At that battle the XXth Corps at first fought a delaying action by itself against Russian Gereral Samsonov's 2nd Russian Army in August, 1914. When the bulk of the German 8th Army swung south to engage Samsonov after the Battle of Gumbinnen, the XX Corps served at the German Army's center. On August 28th the 3rd Company of the 26th Pioneers made an heroic, but sacrificial, attack over a bridge which was exposed to heavy Russian fire at the town of Waplitz in an attempt to the reinforce a stranded detachment of the 59th IR in the town. They were nearly wiped out. This bayonet is from the 26th's 1st company. Otherwise it would now probably be somewhere in Russia. But this bayonet was at Tanneberg and that's enough for me. If anyone knows where I might find a proper leather scabbard for the bayonet, please advise.
Download Attachment:
98-05 Sawback - 26th Pioneers.gif227.23 KB
Download Attachment:
98-05 Sawback - 26th Pioneers - D - spine.gif229.2 KB
Download Attachment:
98-05 Sawback - 26th Pioneers - D - unit mark.gif202.54 KB
