Germany, Heer. A Dress Bayonet

(Heer Bajonett). A Heer dress bayonet, measuring 41 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, and with a fuller running the majority of the length of each side. It sits securely within a one-piece silvered non-magnetic metal alloy hilt, with the seam covered by an intact black leather buffer pad. It features a hooked quillon and pommel, with the latter also has a hollow insertion slot complete with a functional push-button spring release. Two pieces of pebbled black bakelite comprise the handle grip, and are held together with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. It is accompanied by its period 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 latter is included, and is constructed of multi-pieces of pressed blackened leather, riveted into a loop for belt suspension. A maker’s mark reading “FRANZ JOS. ROTHE, BRAUNSCHWEIG” is embossed onto the reverse, just above a manufacture date of “1941”. Wrapped around the frog is a mis-matched Ordnungspolizei sword portepee, consisting of a stylized silver aluminum wire acorn suspended from a black rayon strap with machine-embroidered red and silver aluminum wire embroidered tresse. Unmarked, the bayonet demonstrates some issues consistent with age and wear, including running marks to the blade, loss of finish to the silvered base metal, and some scratching of the scabbard paint. The bayonet is in an overall very fine condition.