You can watch the video shown in post #7 and view it at about 2 minutes in. It's very simple to observe what you have installed that way. Another option is to look up the part numbers and Google them. I did and found that most offerings were totally sealed, but the Deere OEM ones seemed to use a metal seal. One supplier included this information:
This bearing is the same size as the John Deere bearings and has a metal seal on both sides.
The John Deere lower bearing (GX21510) has a seal only on one side, is open on the other.
The John Deere upper bearing (GX20818) has a seal on both sides like this bearing.
This bearing can be used to replace the upper or lower bearings on John Deere spindles calling for bearings GX21510 or GX20818.
(Almost all other manufacturers use bearings sealed on both sides for the bottom bearing)
As to the purpose of the zerk fitting, it's very possible that the spindle is supplied to Deere from an outside vendor. That vendor supplies the same part to other manufacturers, and some may want the zerk fitting.