German M 1884/98 bayonet, second model WWI by AUG. KUPPER - SOLINGEN.(ABC N 447-5)(JN81-2)(K 140)

Mauser M98 rifle. Serial number: 7949 on the crossguard. Excellent bright finished fullered blade with very rare German maker's name : AUG. KÜPPER - SOLINGEN on the ricasso.
Prussian W over date: '17 and Crown over a Gothic inspection mark on the blade spine. Very good- bright finished crossguard and pommel with T-O slot and a single Crown over a Gothic inspection marking. Pommel is stained/peppered only. Very good wooden grips secured with screws and bolts to the blade tang. 
Excellent- and correct blackened WWI steel scabbard with some user spurs and some small dents to the tip only.

August Küpper of Solingen is an extremely rare maker. This company only made a handful of this bayonet model and a saw- backed version and only in 1917. Only one has been recorded!
(Ref: Anthony Carter; GERMAN BAYONETS Volume II Page 182.)