Germany, Heer. A Dress Bayonet, by Alcoso

(Heer Bajonett). A well-preserved Heer dress 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. A fuller runs approximately two-thirds of the length of each side of the top edge. It is plain with the exception of a maker’s mark on the reverse ricasso reading “ALCOSO, SOLINGEN”, for the former firm of Alexander Coppell, circumscribing the company’s scale logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and pommel, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. The pommel features a hollow insertion slot retaining a functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grip, and are secured together with dual magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its original scabbard, constructed of a black painted magnetic metal shaft. A downward-pointing hook emanates from the side of the shaft for the accommodation of a frog. The throat retains a functional spring catch to firmly hold the bayonet in place during storage. Minor issues consistent with age and wear are evident, and include some running marks to the blade, sporadic loss of nickel plating to the hilt, and some loss of scabbard paint which largely terminates at the upper third of the shaft, likely indicating a more recent removal of a frog which protected the surface. It remains in an overall near extremely fine condition.