Germany, Wehrmacht. A Pair of Dress Bayonets

(Bajonette). A pair of dress bayonets, including:

1. A long version, measuring 39.5 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 24.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. A fuller runs the majority of the length of each side of the top edge. It sits within a nickel-plated non-magnetic metal alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. The latter features a hollow insertion slot with a functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fixed in place with non-magnetic metal rivets. Accompanying the bayonet is its original scabbard, constructed of a magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft for the accommodation of a frog. The latter is constructed of multiple panels of black leather, stitched into a loop for belt suspension, retaining a stud closure to hold the bayonet in place during wear. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, loosening of the blade from its base in the hilt, loss of finish to the scabbard, and some fatigue of the frog. The bayonet remains in a very fine condition.

2. A short version, measuring 35 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 20.5 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. A narrow fuller runs the majority of the length of the top edge of each side of the blade. The obverse ricasso is maker marked with the logo of E. & F. Hörster, Solingen. It sits securely within a nickel-plated magnetic steel hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel. The latter features a hollow insertion slot with a functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are fixed in place with domed non-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 edge of the shaft for the accommodation of a frog. The latter is constructed of multiple panels of black leather, stitched into a loop for belt suspension. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some scratching to the blade and hilt, moderate loss of paint to the scabbard, and some material fatigue of the frog. The bayonet remains in an overall better than very fine condition.