Help Date Japanese and German Bayonets

[GregV]

Hi there guys. I'm looking for some help. I would like to find out when these three bayonets were manufactured. I believe I have figured out which arsenals the two Japanese bayonets came from, but I can't seem to find anything on dating them. As far as the German bayonet goes, correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that it is for the k98 rifle. Is the S/177, the manufacturer code? Could it be made by Solingen? There is a small number 37 stamped on top of the blade, near the guard. Could that be that the date?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Greg V

link to more pictures: http://s44.photobucket.com/albums/f2...an%20Bayonets/

[SKIPH]

GregV-I don't collect German bayonets per say, but I do know a little. Look at the "TOP" of the blade directly in front of the guard. There should be a "2" digit number. That's the year of manufacture. There is a site on internet that will give Japanese manufacturer codes/markings, not sure about the dates. Good Luck! SKIP

[GregV]

Thanks Skip. There is a number 37 on top of the blade, just in front of the guard.

[SKIPH]

GregV- "1937" COOL! Glad to help. SKIP

[free1954]

try over here http://forums.gunboards.com/forumdis...The-Rising-Sun these guys might be able to help. also here http://www.old-smithy.info/

[GregV]

Thanks, just joined and posted on the gunboards site.

[Guamsst]

On Japanese bayonets, dating them is not exact but can be narrowed down. You need to look at the quillion and scabbard and overall finish. Less metal and less quality equal later production. They never marked them for date. Bayonet 1 is early WW2 production.

[GregV]

Thanks guamsst, #2 has a hooked quillion and a blued finish that someone ground on a bit. I attached more pictures of #2.