UBB.threads Forums Edged Weapons The BCN Bayonet Forum "commercial" K98 bayonet ?

Hello

This bayonet is stamped WaA519 and it is the only mark it has. I have another one like that but with the WaA883.
I saw a few others and they were always in very good condition with this plumb color.
Who wore theses bayonets ?
Regards
Alain

Alain,

Like mine they seem to have never been issued. And I think that it is from the end of the Portuguese contact. Manufactured for them after the change from WaA883 to WaA519.

Best Regards, FP

Hi FP
They are like the portuguese contract but were they issued to the german army ?
I have a few otherfs of these bayonets and one of them has a kind of "chocolate" colored scabbard. I think it is an alteration of the bluieng.
I show you another one which has only 1 WaA519 on the pommel. Nothing on the balltip of the scabbard. I thought that only the late war productions were stamped with only 1 WaA ?
Regards
Alain

Hello Alain,

Some (1941) Portuguese contact rifles were delivered to the Wehrmacht. Conversely, a small number of 1942/43 dated 98K rifles are reported to have had Portuguese stamps added to them.

With the bluing you show, here it is sometimes called a “plum” color, and on occasion seen circa 1942/43. But then I’m fairly certain I have an (original finish) 1930’s 98K bayonet with some “plum” color, and for sure a 1939 dated P-08 (Luger) that has a “plum” color. Believing it has something more to due with improper temperature control, versus a desired end result

And as for the single pommel Waffenamt. As you mentioned they are fairly common with the late production 1944 Wehrmacht bayonets. But Waffenamts are also seen sometimes with earlier commercial production (but rarely). Having seen similar bayonets. Which is what I would categorize the one you posted without a serial number or maker’s mark, as one of the exceptions to the rule. To be filed away (mentally) for future reference, as we sort out the bits and pieces, trying to reconstruct what the Germans were doing back when they were made.

PS: My compliments for both bayonets. Historically interesting, and in exceptional condition.

Best Regards, Fred

Hi Fred

Thanks for your help and your kind words.
Here is another one with a "chocolate" colored scabbard. I am very interested in "commercial" K98 bayonets and I have several pieces.
Regards
Alain