Germany, Heer. A "In Memory of My Service" Etched Bayonet by E. & F. Horster & Co Gmbh, Solingen

Measuring 350 mm in length with the scabbard on, this dagger features a 194 mm long nickel-plated steel blade, magnetic, with a sharp edge, remaining bright and crisp, and having a semi-sharp tip. It is etched with a ribbon banner inscribed "Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit" (In Memory of my Service Period) flanked by oak leaves on either side, with an Army eagle at the far left of the banner and fullers on both sides. The blade's ricasso is maker marked E. & F. Horster & Co Gmbh, Solingen, with the company's downward pointing sword and interlocking HHS initials, although the insignia itself has faded but the surrounding type remains quite legible. It retains its crossgraining, with scratching overall, common to extraction and return to the scabbard, the nickel-plating exhibiting wear at the the tip on both sides, edge nicks and wear on the blade edge, with a natural shine, very fine. Brown leather washer has hardened and is cracked but remains intact. Crossguard with quillon and pommel exhibits scattered flaking and wear in the nickel plating, while both stag horn grip plates are firmly held in place by two rivets and central pins, the dagger measuring 315 in length. Accompanied by its black metal scabbard, magnetic, with frog stud, metal locket at the blade entry end, ball finial, the scabbard measuring 228 mm in length, with very light contact. The dagger in its 52 mm x 200 mm unmarked black leather holster, with a portapee strap wrapped around its neck, the portapee in gray and green embroidery interlaced with silver wire threading, head, stem and knot wrapped around a wooden frame, the portapee measuring 34 mm x 50 mm with a 37 mm long stem, the knot exhibiting cracking in the frame and fraying in the fabric, the attached strap in green embroidery interlaced with silver wire threading, with wear evident in the central portion of the strap. Very fine.