WW2 German 84/98 III Bayonet & Unmarked Scabbard 1937 F. Herder

[komet45]

The ricasso of the blade is clearly marked on both sides, depicting the name of the F. Herder A Sn firm as well as the serial number and number block. "37" is clearly stamped on the spine of the blade. The expected Waffenamts are stamped on the crossguard pommel, press stud, flashguard and tang spine. The tang under the grip panels is stamped with the serial number 7925. This number is found on the ricasso, both grips, the flashguard, the tang and the press stud.

About 2/3s of blade has been lightly sharpened though the edge is barely detectable to touch, though clear damage to the finish is present in the affected areas. The remaining bluing is strong and only expected scabbard wear is present.

The scabbard appears to be standard 30s German construction and has no markings or stamps that can be found. The finish is clean, but different than other examples I have on hand from the same period. There is a very light "texture" I can feel when handling the scabbard, I do not own any other examples that exhibit this trait. Overall, the scabbard is very clean and free from any dents or damage, looking as if it saw little action.

Though I would not call the blade work on this bayonet "fine," it does appear to have been done with proper tools as the edge is straight and clean. Has anyone else observed another bayonet with a "2/3s Pattern" like this one? Could the unmarked scabbard be any type of indicator of prior service? A possible Depot replacement? Unmarked commercial or export piece?

All thoughts and opinions are welcomed and appreciated!

[Anderson]

Not unusual really. 1937 was the year there was a transition from S-codes to maker names on the ricasso. The fact there are both a serial number and WaA marks indicates this is a German Waffenamt contract bayonet. It's not a Portugal or Spain export bayonet, nor is it a behoerden "commercial" bayonet. The scabbard is likely a replacement as the original would have been marked.

[Sleepwalker]

Hello,

This is a fairly standard S84/98 from Herder's production in 1937. WaA. - Contract
Unfortunately the blade was sharpened at some point.

The scabbard can be an export or an official piece.
It was sprayed very thinly with black paint. This is not original.

Regards