Beilpicke M1898 / M1909 / M1912 ?

[Kris1981]

Hi,

Can someone tell me the difference between these three models of Beilpicke please? I am able to tell the difference between the German type and the Austro-Hungarian type, but I'd like to know more about the succesive German types M1898 / M1909 / M1912.

As far as I can translate this Russian discussion about these axes, I think this picture illustrates the difference between the types.

Forum thread:
http://rusknife.com/topic/10206-%D0%B3%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%BC%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%81%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%B9-%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B0%D0%BD%D1%88%D0%B5%D0%B9%D0%BD%D1%8B%D0%B9-%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%BE%D1%80-i-%D1%8F-%D0%BC%D0%B8%D1%80%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%B0%D1%8F-%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B9%D0%BD%D0%B0/

Picture:
http://rusknife.com/uploads/post-1779-0-14283100-1424111553.jpg

I'm not sure however on which one came first. Thinking logically, the most basic design is the one on the right (forged in one piece) - and therefore the M1898, followed by the M1909 in the middle and finally the most complicated M1912 on the left. Just a thought, I can be wrong.

M1898 - top part forged in one piece, separate metal band
M1909 - top part held on by two metal straps, separate metal band (no 'claws' on the topside)
M1912 - top part held on by two metal straps, separate metal band ('claws' on the topside)

I've seen these types either with a long handle (with distinctive shape) or with a short(er) straight handle. What was the original / official handle...?

Thanks for your ideas & imput on this! ;-)