Germany, Wehrmacht. A Commemorative Service Bayonet, by Lauterjung & Sohn

(Wehrmacht Bajonett). A very well-preserved Wehrmacht commemorative service bayonet, measuring 40 cm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 25 cm-long, nickel-plated, magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge. Each side of the blade has a wide fuller which runs the majority of the length of the bottom edge. The reverse bears an acid-etched inscription of “ZUR ERINNERUNG AN MEINE DIENSTZEIT KEMPTEN/ALLGÄU” (“IN MEMORY OF MY SERVICE TIME KEMPTEN/ALLGÄU”). The reverse ricasso also bears the “PUMA” logo of Lauterjung & Sohn, Solingen. The blade sits securely within a one-piece nickel-plated alloy hilt with a hooked quillon, hollow insertion slot with a functional push-button spring release, and with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. Emanating from the side of the shaft is a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog. Some issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include running marks to the blade, loss of finish and some oxidation to the nickel plating of the hilt, and loss of finish with consequent surface oxidation to the scabbard. The bayonet remains in a better than very fine condition.