Here are a pair of clc44 bayonets by Richard Abr. Herder AG, Solingen. The bayonets are consecutively numbered in the H letter block. These are very late war production pieces numbered H3905 (left) and H3906. Alpha block H (1944) was the final production run for Richard Herder as they did not continue to make bayonets into 1945. The last serial number that has been recorded is H9900. Both are in excellent condition although the 3906 shows a bit of wear including a couple of slight dents to the flashguard. The 3905 is virtually mint. Both have the same thin blue finish. What at first appears to be a small chip to the red phenolic grip scale of the 3906 is actually an imperfection from the molding process. Both bayonets show heavy grinding and a lack of finishing work at the ricasso area and down the blade length. This is particularly noticeable on the 3905 which also has a deep grinding dip to the spine of the blade near the ricasso. I doubt this blade would have passed inspection during earlier production periods. The grind marks, lack of machine finishing, and maker/serial number application on these late Herder pieces has always struck me as very similar to the WKC (cvl) examples from the same period. Perhaps Andrej has information or further research including blade blank stampings from beneath the grip scales would show a connection? The brazed application of the scabbard finial balls is also very crude with a noticeable gap on the 3906 and split seam even showing to the 3905. Never the less both are stamped with a WaA519 acceptance. The same WaA stamping can also be found on the upper reverse pommel. Pictures below tell the story better than words:
