Germany, Heer. A Dress Bayonet, by E. & F. Hörster

(Heer Bajonett). A well-preserved Heer dress bayonet, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade which retains factory-original sharpening to both the tip and lower edge. A wide fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side of the blade. The obverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “E. U. F. HÖRSTER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s monogram logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated non-magnetic alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. A hollow insertion slot is set into the latter and features a functional push-button spring release. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured in place with dual magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft for the accommodation of a frog. The latter is included and constructed of multiple panels of black leather, stitched into a loop for belt suspension. A functional spring catch situated within the throat firmly holds the bayonet in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some scratching to the blade, dulling of the hilt’s nickel plating, scratching to the scabbard paint, and material fatigue of the frog. It remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.