Germany, NSFK. A National Socialist Flyers Corps Dress Bayonet, by Richard Herder

(Nationalsozialistisches Fliegerkorps Bajonett). A National Socialist Flyers Corps (NSFK) dress bayonet, measuring 355 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 200 mm-long magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and semi-sharpened edge. Both sides of the blade feature a fuller and are wholly unmarked, with the exception of an etched maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso of “RICH. ABR. HERDER, SOLINGEN”, flanked by the firm’s diamond logo. The blade sits securely within a silver-plated non-ferrous metal upper crossguard with a hooked quillon. An intact brown leather buffer pad covers the seam. The crossguard transitions into a one-piece hilt while completes in a hooked pommel, while on the opposite side an insertion slot retains a functional push-button mechanism and period original red felt insert. The handle grip consists of two pieces of pebbled and blackened bakelite, secured together by dual non-ferrous metal rivets. Affixed to the obverse of the handle is a silvered bronze NSFK insignia in the form of a ring bearing an inscription of “NSFK” overlaid by Icarus, in turn bearing a mobile swastika. The insignia measures 25 mm (w) x 22 mm (h). It is accompanied by its period original scabbard, consisting of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. The throat is held together by a single magnetic metal rivet and retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage. The shaft bears a downward-pointing hook which connects to a period original multi-piece black leather frog, stitched into a belt loop. While well-preserved, the bayonet demonstrates some issues consistent with age and use, including some loss of silver finish to the plated features, running marks to the blade, and material fatigue of the leather elements. It is in an overall better than very fine condition.