A Heer Etched Bayonet by E. & F. Horster & Co Gmbh, Solingen

Army (Heer) "In Memory of My Service" Etched Bayonet by E. & F. Horster & Co Gmbh, Solingen: Measuring 390 mm in length with the scabbard on, this dagger features a 252 mm long nickel-plated steel blade, magnetic, with a dull edge, remaining bright and crisp, and having a semi-sharp tip. It is etched with a ribbon banner inscribed "Zur Erinnerung an meine Dienstzeit" (In Memory of my Service Period) flanked by oak leaves on either side, with an Army eagle at the far left and an artillery piece at the far right of the banner and fullers on both sides. The blade's ricasso is maker marked E. & F. Horster & Co Gmbh, Solingen, with the company's downward pointing sword and interlocking HHS initials. It retains its crossgraining, with scratching overall, common to extraction and return to the scabbard, the nickel-plating exhibiting scattered wear spots near the tip on both sides, with a natural shine, near extremely fine. Dark brown leather washer remains relatively supple and is intact. Crossguard with quillon and pommel exhibits scattered wear spots and contact marks in the nickel plating, while both stag horn grip plates are held in place by two replacement rivets and central pins, the plates slightly loose versus the body of the handle, a strip of red felt inserted into the slot in the back of the pommel, the dagger measuring 371 in length. Accompanied by its black metal scabbard, magnetic, with frog stud, metal locket at the blade entry end, ball finial, the scabbard measuring 268 mm in length, with very light contact. The dagger in its 48 mm x 200 mm unmarked brown leather holster, with a portapee strap wrapped around its neck, the portapee in gray, white and red embroidery, head, stem and knot wrapped around a wooden frame, the portapee measuring 31.7 mm x 47.5 mm with a 38 mm long stem, the attached strap in gray embroidery. Near extremely fine.