Forgive the English: it certainly appears to me to be made before 1918. To suggest that it was made after 1918 implies that it is a deliberate fake, as the imperial inspection stamps would otherwise not exist after 1918 unless someone wanted to add them specifically. I feel like I see the remnants of inspection frakturs on tbe pommel end, where there are normally two stamps. And another on the press stud, but as I am viewing from afar I certainly could be incorrect. What about obliterated regimental markings (truppenstempel)? Do you think you see any remnants of these markings? I certainly see the normal markings made by soldiers bored out of their minds, making little smiley faces and so forth, sometimes these little things can tell the history of the piece, at least that has been my experience..
Thank god for little mysteries like this: as time goes on, there are less and less new things to discover, fewer mysteries to solve, less fresh bayonets to pull out of the woodwork and introduce to the community, and for me this the most enjoyable part of collecting.