Germany, Heer. A Etched Dress Dagger, by Lauterjung & Sohn

(Heer Bajonett). A Heer commemorative dress bayonet, measuring 405 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 250 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a a sharpened tip and lower edge. Acid-etched onto the obverse of the blade is a finely-detailed inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME”), flanked by oak leaves, a Wehrmacht eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, and a Stahlhelm. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “PUMA, SOLINGEN” for the firm of Lauterjung & Sohn, topped by the company’s classic puma head logo. The blade sits within a one-piece nickel-plated alloy hilt, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The hilt features a hooked quillon, while the handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. A hollow insertion slot is set into the pommel, and retains a functional push-button release mechanism. It is curved to facilitate a comfortable grip in conjunction with the quillon. The bayonet is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Emanating from the side is a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog. The throat retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage, and is held together by a single side rivet. Issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some loosening of the blade, as well as oxidation and loss of finish to both the nickel-plated and magnetic metal features. The bayonet is in an overall very fine condition.