UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons The BCN Bayonet Forum My 1939 Plum

From time to time a pistol or bayonet is seen that shows an interesting plum color to the finish usually due to an improper mixture of chemicals in the bluing process.
Thought I'd show my 1939 dated WKC 84/98 III bayonet. The crossguard and pommel show a slight plum color, but the blade shows considerably more.
Anyone else have one? Post your plums here....

Denny,

Your 'plum' looks more like a 'peach' to me!

Best!

Bill

What for letter of series do You have on the bayonet, i have reported minimum 4pcs in 1939 with plum colour, but it could be reworks too.

Nice bayonet Denny. I've got one as well and if I can find it will post a pic.

Len

Here you go Andy... This is a copy of my data base record.

"Dated 1939 with matching scabbard. WaA 253 on pommel. Blade marked 5978g on obverse and W.K.C. on reverse with 39 on spine. Blade has a plum colored finish to it. Tang beneath grips marked with a 1 on one side and 43 Na on the other. - Bakelite Grips are marked on back with matching serial number 5978 and WaA 253. They are also marked with 53 Z3 on both. One marked 13, one marked 10. Flashguard is marked with S,N. 5978 and the letter 4."

Len,
Please do post a picture. If we can get more responses, maybe we can help Andy establish a serial range for these. In other words, how long was it before the factory guys noticed and changed the solution.

Come on guys, check your stash!

Hello, thanks for details, i have in dbase one other plum blue in g range, other in h range. looks like nice correct piece.best regards,Andy

I have a WKC 39 also in plum. Blade is not quite as red. Lesser plum shade on pommel. Crossguard, flashguard and catch assembly typical deep blue. Matching serial# is 8185j. I have a late 42asw which has a copper-red blade & pommel as well. Andy's observation that a red blade could be the result of a rework (usually a "re-dip") is spot on. I have seen numerous S84/98 T3s which had deep, blood-red colored blades/pommels, which was the result of being re-dipped. These are often found slathered in a thick grease preservative, which is how they came when imported. Key is looking for wear, nicks on the blade, pitting, etc. under the red finish. In addition, the finish is seldom uniform, with dark spotches...almost like stains, showing through the newly applied finish. I do not see this on original German WW2 manufactured examples.
Based on what I see in the photos, Denny G's bayonet is correct and original.

Hi Denny,
I finally found the plum bayonet but it's not a '39 WKC but a '36 date S/240 (F. Herder). The pommel is the plumiest with the blade having definite plum overtones(sounds like a wine review).In any case here are some pics.

Len

Hello
Here are a "commercial" K98 with WaA883 on the pommel and scabbard balltip. No other markings.
A "commercial" WKC. No other markings.
Regards
Alain

Hello Len & Alain,
Thanks for showing your "plums". Nice pieces, all...
Len, kinda sneaky on your part - giving us just a glimpse of that Luft frog!

Anyone else have a plum to show?