Germany, RKK. A Reich Chamber of Culture Official’s Dress Bayonet

(Reichskulturkammer Bajonett). A rare and well-preserved Reichs Chamber of Commerce (RKK) official’s dress bayonet, measuring 360 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 205 mm-long polished magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge, and with fullers running down the length of each side. It presents plain with the exception of maker’s marks on both the obverse and reverse ricasso for the firm of Lauterjung & Co., Solingen (Tigerwerk). The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated zink alloy hilt featuring a hooked quillon and insertion slot with a functional spring catch with push-button release. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grips, and are secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is a silvered bronze insignia consisting of a German national eagle perched on top of a Grecian column, in turn overlaid by a mobile swastika and above a banner bearing initials “RKK”. It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side for attachment to a frog. The throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage, and is held together with a single side rivet. Some issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include running marks to the blade, minor oxidation of the nickel-plated features, and some oxidation and loss of paint to the scabbard. The bayonet is in an overall better than very fine condition.