I read this thread and it appears photos posted to it would likely clear up some misconceptions. First, S84/98 T3 bayonets left the factories with matching scabbards in all but the most unusual of circumstances. This even carried right up to the end of production, which came quite suddenly for most of the makers (either by being bombed out or overrun by Allied forces). Often when unnumbered scabbards are seen, they came from Behoerden production, which characteristically had unnumbered scabbards, or new armorer replacement parts (often exchanged for damaged or missing ones).
Regarding the reproduction scabbard(s), compared to original ones, they are easy to identify by construction, finish, and often spurious applied markings. Same holds true for the bayonets. It appears the reproduction scabbard has a rather blunt, flat finial. This is very similar to that found on the Spanish M43 and is likely due to one half the ball being part of each side of the scabbard body. When the two halves are folded over and welded along one side, the scabbard is assembled. Original scabbards do not have the finial ball as part of the scabbard, but when folded together and welded, there is a small hole at the bottom of the scabbard onto which a separate finial ball is braised. I also believe the WaA on the ball is applied before assembly. Stamping the ball hard enough with a die to impress the stamp could easily crush or damage the ball.
Pictured are two "cof44" bayonets; one in the "e-bloc" and another in the "u-bloc", so they kind of bracket the bayonet in question. Note the WaA strike on earlier production bayonet and shape of the ball. One can also detect the bronze color just where the finial ball mates with the scabbard. Also note the shape of the ball as well. On the latter bayonet, the finial ball is distinctively different, and bears no WaA. The earlier bayonet bears two WaA519 on the side of the pommel & latter one only one. (See photos on following reply).
Last edited by FredM; 04/10/2019 10:26 PM.
