43 fnj with 43 web frog

[Rittmeister]

This bayonet has been in my collection for many years. Andy probably have it in his database. The bayonet has welded scabbard and WaA stamp on spine. The frog was added by me, but I am not familiar with the producer.

 

[AndyB]

nice bayonet, what is the stamping on backside of webfrog? interesting is the additional WaA519 on blade spine.thanks.

 

[Rittmeister]

The stamp on frog seem too be "REP 43", but it is possible I have read it wrong. Hope it is not "48" The use of big letters has always worried me. Will take better pictures in daylight.

 

[Rittmeister]

More pictures of webfrog. Must say I become more uncertain what number this is. 40, 42, 43 or something else? Anybody familiar with stamping or this type of webfrog?

 

[Slash]

I have one of these frogs as well with the same marking. My frog however is the version without the hilt retention strap. It is made exactly the same with the pouch being constructed of a lighter weight woven material than the body. If memory is correct, mine has more of a brownish sand colored body with a lighter tan pouch. It also has the same white cotton thread to include the unusual horizontal line of stitching at the bottom of the belt loop. The marking is in the same location and I believe it to be REP 43. The reason it is in upper case letters is because it is not a three letter code. Rather it is the maker's trademark from an unknown producer. Same as the upper case letter trademarks sometimes found on canteens, mess kits and other items. Have seen only a very few examples of these frogs and all have been 43 dated. The one from my collection is pictured in the reference section under late war and tropical frogs. I will try and take some better photos to post here for comparison.

 

[Slash]

Here are some photographs of the REP43 marked tropical (web) frog from my collection. Note that it never had a hilt retention strap. Frogs made of web material in this configuration are very difficult to locate. In all other respects it appears very similar in construction to Rittmeister's example. The REP maker's trademark may be for the firm of Richard Ehrhardt, Pössneck in Thüringen but this has not been confirmed. Research continues ....

 

[Rittmeister]

Must be a member of the same family. Thanks a lot for posting pictures from your collection.

 

[AndyB]

Thanks Lance for interesting opinion, yes the name could be with upper case letters, so it could be explain why is there REP.b.r.Andy