Germany, Heer. A Dress Bayonet, with Uncommon Distributor Mark

(Heer Bajonett). A well-preserved Heer dress bayonet, measuring 345 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 200 mm-long polished magnetic steel blade with a sharpened tip and lower edge, and with fullers running the length of each side. It is unmarked with the exception of a distributor mark of “HERTRA-QUALITÄT” on the reverse ricasso. The blade sits firmly within a one-piece nickel-plated alloy hilt, with the seam covered by a fully-intact black leather buffer pad. The hilt features a hooked quillon and pommel, facilitating a secure grip, while the latter features a hollow insertion slot with a functional push-button spring release. The handle grip is composed of two pieces of pebbled black bakelite, secured together with dual non-magnetic metal rivets. The bayonet is accompanied by its period original scabbard, constructed of a black-painted magnetic metal shaft. Emanating from the side of the shaft is a downward-pointing hook for the accommodation of a frog. The throat retains a functional spring catch, firmly holding the bayonet in place during storage, and is secured together with a single side rivet. The bayonet demonstrates some issues consistent with age and wear, including running marks to the blade, minor oxidation and loss of finish to the nickel-plated features (with a particular spot of wear to the quillon), and some oxidation and loss of paint to the scabbard. This bayonet, bearing an uncommon distributor’s mark, is in an overall very fine condition.