Starting this thread to highlight some of the variations and more unusual oddities observed for cvl (WKC) bayonets produced in 1944. This might be seen as a prequel or at least an extension of the 44cvl rivet grip thread located at the hot link below:
http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread.php?8205-The-cvl44-Rivet-Grip-S84-98-Bayonet
While the rivet grip variations are the last of the WKC bayonets produced during 1944 we will start this thread with the beginning of 1944.
Perhaps the earliest of the cvl bayonets during 1944 are the very rare 44/43cvl double dates. This variation features a 1944 dated bayonet matched to an identically numbered 1943 scabbard. This example is serial numbered 5278t and is the earliest recorded 44/43cvl bayonet. WKC ended 1943 production in the t block and it is thought that this variation was produced for a very short period during the date transition which carried over into 1944. The bayonets and scabbards have matching number with the blades being dated 44cvl and the scabbards 43cvl. Note that this configuration is opposite of the much more commonly encountered 43/44asw bayonets which feature 1943 dated blades and 1944 scabbards. I have only five examples recorded in my databases which range from serial number 5278t to 6987t. The last recorded matching example from 1943 is serial numbered 3761t leaving a rather small time frame that these were produced. These pieces have all the features standard in late 1943 or early 1944 WKC production but for the unusual double date stamping.
http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread.php?8205-The-cvl44-Rivet-Grip-S84-98-Bayonet
While the rivet grip variations are the last of the WKC bayonets produced during 1944 we will start this thread with the beginning of 1944.
Perhaps the earliest of the cvl bayonets during 1944 are the very rare 44/43cvl double dates. This variation features a 1944 dated bayonet matched to an identically numbered 1943 scabbard. This example is serial numbered 5278t and is the earliest recorded 44/43cvl bayonet. WKC ended 1943 production in the t block and it is thought that this variation was produced for a very short period during the date transition which carried over into 1944. The bayonets and scabbards have matching number with the blades being dated 44cvl and the scabbards 43cvl. Note that this configuration is opposite of the much more commonly encountered 43/44asw bayonets which feature 1943 dated blades and 1944 scabbards. I have only five examples recorded in my databases which range from serial number 5278t to 6987t. The last recorded matching example from 1943 is serial numbered 3761t leaving a rather small time frame that these were produced. These pieces have all the features standard in late 1943 or early 1944 WKC production but for the unusual double date stamping.