Germany, Heer. An NCO’s Dress Bayonet, by Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Co.

(Heer Bajonett). An extremely well-preserved Heer NCO’s dress bayonet, measuring 355 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 195 mm-long polished magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and unspoiled edges, and with fullers running down the length of each side. It presents plain with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso of “WKC” for Weyersburg, Kirschbaum & Co., Solingen, topped by the firm’s classic knight’s helmet logo. The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated hilt with a hooked quillon and insertion slot retaining a functional spring catch with functional push-button release. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled blake bakelite, fastened together with dual non-ferrous metal rivets. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the shaft and secures the scabbard to a period original black leather frog, stitched into a loop for belt attachment. The throat of the scabbard retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage, and is held together with a single side rivet. Wrapped around the frog is a Heer NCO’s portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire and green threaded acorn, suspended from a green rayon strap interspersed with silver aluminum wire highlights. Minor issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, as well as minute loss of finish to the metal features. The bayonet is in an overall near extremely fine condition.