Germany, Heer. A Dress Bayonet, by E. & F. Hörster

(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 wide fuller runs the majority of the length of each side. The reverse ricasso bears a maker’s mark of “E. U. F. HÖRSTER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s monogram logo. The blade sits securely within a nickel-plated alloy hilt, with an intact blackened leather buffer pad covering the seam. The hilt has a hooked quillon and pommel, with the latter also featuring a hollow insertion slot retaining an original red wool liner and functional push-button release. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite compose the handle grips, 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 running marks to the blade, some loss of nickel plating to the hilt, and loss of scabbard finish with evidence of re-painting throughout. It remains in a better than very fine condition.