March 26, 20242 yr #1 I recently acquired a German 98 first type bayonet and scabbard. Both are unit marked, but unfortunately to different units. Is there a source for deciphering these markings? Bayonet- 178 . R . 7 . 186 Scabbard- B . 15 . R . 12 132 The scabbard appears to have shrunk in length so that the bayonet extends about 1 1/4" from the throat. Is this shrinkage common?
March 27, 20242 yr #2 178th INFANTRY REG. 7th CO. 186th WEAPON ISSUED TO CO. (13th ROYAL SAXON REG.) BAVARIAN 15th I.R. 12th CO 132nd WEAPON ISSUED TO CO. (KING FREDERICK AUGUST OF SAXONY REG)
March 28, 20242 yr #3 Yes, shrinkage, and breakage, were common. More likely just a mis-match in size as well as units.
March 29, 20242 yr #4 The scabbard is leather and through time shrinks. I have one leather German butcher type that the scabbard has also shrunk. WWI was going on so soldiers in the field weren’t too concerned with making sure they got their specific field gear item back with numbers matching…as long as it was a like item.
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