Germany, Luftwaffe. An Engineer’s Dress Bayonet, by Gustav Spitzer

(Luftwaffe Bajonett für Pioniere). A rare and extremely well-preserved Luftwaffe Engineer’s dress bayonet, measuring 360 mm in total length when inserted into the scabbard. It features a 200 mm-long polished magnetic metal blade with a sharpened tip and unspoiled edges, with fullers running down the length of each side. It presents plain with the exception of a maker’s mark near the reverse ricasso of “GUSTAV SPITZER, SOLINGEN”, circumscribing the firm’s lion passant logo. It sits securely within a one piece nickel-plated zink alloy hilt with a hooked quillon and insertion slot with a spring catch and push-button release. An intact brown leather buffer pad covered the seam where the blade meets the hilt. Two pieces of polished staghorn compose the handle grip, and are secured together with dual non-ferrous metal rivets. Inset into the obverse of the handle is an insignia consisting of a magnetic metal Luftwaffe eagle clutching a swastika set within a cogwheel. The eagle insignia is custom-fitted to the staghorn base and measures 30 mm (w) x 20 mm (h) overall. 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 attachment to a frog. It retains a functional spring catch, securely holding the bayonet in place during storage, and is held together with a single side rivet. Minor issues consistent with age and use are evident, and include slight running marks to the blade, with minute loss of finish to the scabbard and nickel-plated features. This rare Engineer’s dress bayonet is in an overall extremely fine condition.